The Night Before I Knew Him
Sharp in its simplicity, catching the light like a blade.
I lifted my hand instinctively, my fingers grazing the pendant as it skimmed my skin.
He fastened it around my neck, his touch brief but careful, then turned me to face him.
“One last thing,” he said, pulling a mask from inside his tux. “Your final weapon.”
Before I could respond, he turned me around again, fitting the mask over my face with surprising gentleness. His fingers adjusted the straps, smoothed my hair back into place, as if he was sealing armor onto me.