Magnet (Lacuna Short Stories) Read Online Free Page A

Penny will eat my soul for breakfast. Then yours. Gimme.”
    With a dramatic sigh she handed it over. “That’s the thanks I get... next time I’ll just leave you and your jewelry out there.”
    I took the thin sliver of metal, cupping the ring in my hand. Slowly I closed my fingers around it and bought it to my chest. I sighed, my lungs emptying as relief swept through me like the gentle soothing waters of a creek. I looked up, smiling into Rachel’s eyes.
    “ I really appreciate this. I mean it.”
    Rachel patted me on the arm, then stood to leave. “Whatever. Make sure you don’t lose it next time you decide to take a walk in space.”
    “ I won’t.”
    With a grin she left me alone with my thoughts... and the ring I thought I’d lost. I played with it, turning it over and over in my fingers, letting the light play over the gem. The illumination from the fluorescent above me filtered through its red structure, casting a pale crimson shadow over my fingers.
    I couldn’t help but notice that the ruby light was the same shade as the blood on my bandages.
    “ Next time I see you,” I promised to nobody, clutching the ring in my hand and resting my head back against the uncomfortable infirmary pillow.
    Next time.
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    End