shadow seen

I was once given a simple strand of un-faceted garnets by someone I loved. I wore them, never taking them off, for years. The only time they were not around my neck were the times when their wire snapped and they would slip and rain down; garnet is a sharp stone. I lost a few every time. Their length grew snugger around my throat. I remember the warmth of the stones, shared heat, and the deep color against my skin. I still have the last few in a box somewhere.

This evening I caught sight of them in the mirror and stopped to stare.