She should have felt more bitterness, but it was becoming more and more difficult to focus in this place. Her thoughts scattered like pearls from a necklace torn at the throat.

Her heartbeat slowed and for a moment, she thought it stopped, but the moment passed and its steady beat filled her ears again.

Instinctively, she raised her hand and caressed again, the worn edges of her necklace. Edges worn smooth by the passing of many hands.