Sand in the Glass

Summary: "Tell me, Princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?" Life, it turns out, gives her endless opportunities. Jasmine-centric drabble collection. Live action (2019) film-verse.

Disclaimer: Disney owns Aladdin, sadly not me. Title and summary quote are courtesy of Alan Menken & Howard Ashman. Further thanks to Benj Pasek & Justin Paul for "Speechless," which played no small role in shaping this story.

A/N: My first foray into drabble writing! And officially the end of my multi-year writing drought. This actually started months ago as a few random sketches which quickly snowballed into a full-blown passion project that, despite the low word count, took me until just now to share. Before we get started, these drabbles spanning Jasmine's life won't be in chronological order, though I provide context as best I can. Some are based on actual scenes from the film, some are "missing moments," and many take place past the film's conclusion. If you're up for joining me on this character journey, buckle in and here we go!

"Life is not measured by time. It is measured by moments."

― Armin Houman

1. Legacy

"Arm yourself." Warmth circles her wrist. "Live boldly."

For years, her departed mother's bracelet offered bitter consolation. A wasted investment. A shackle in a gilded cage.

But eventually, those words eroded a lifetime of doubts—and she improvised. Outside.

Strangely, acts of thievery enriched her fate. Armor stripped, soul bare, never was she stronger in her own skin. Strong enough to take a leap. Let herself fall. Spread her wings. Just be.

When her heirloom returned home, it was a beautiful reminder—but nothing more. Real armor lives where her mother never left.

One day, she, too, passes both on.