on Ba

r?" The doctor' s voice was gentle, alm

u know. A true blessing." She paused

I'm certain, Doctor." My voi

wful sound. "As you wish.

hoing my inner void. Every corner, every expensi

ling. A lavish banner proclai

shriveled prune. The

ind the couch, a wide, dazzling smi

tight hug. His arms f

ad, then my lips. I

managed, the words tast

ay, could I?" He winked, leadin

n I saw it. A small, flesh-color

A tiny flicker of sus

too quickly. "Broken glass,"

cut. It was a perfect, crescent

His ex-wife. The

the table. "Open it, love." H

nestled inside. Diamonds, glitter

g my neck as he clasped it around me.

hing my ear. "Beautiful, just like

of the mirror across the room.

e it. A rejected gift, probably

sweet, felt like venom.