Lydia caressed the necklace softly, her fingers trembling as if she were afraid it might shatter in her hand. The frozen flower glistened faintly under the candlelight, almost mocking her. It was beautiful, delicate, and full of meaning. Her chest tightened as she held it, because it reminded her of him. It reminded her of everything she had once believed in, everything she had once dreamed of. For a moment, she felt warmth. For a moment, she remembered love.
But then her face hardened. She shook her head, as if scolding herself, and quickly put the necklace back inside the tiny box. She shut the lid and shoved it deep into her chest of drawers, as though hiding it away could also hide the feelings burning inside her.
