Atop the intricately carved wooden mantelpiece,
Lay a fine scroll held together by a thread so fine,
she could only admire its texture,
The velvet softness,the shade of ruby as it caught the light,turning to that of a blood shrike.

Gingerly opening the delicate scroll ,
She stopped breathing.
She tried to get her lungs to work but they refused.

No-
It couldn't be.
But it was,wasn't it?
She tipped her head back ,
As slow misty droplets found their way down her rouge cheekbones.