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Prompt #5: Shell - She took the bracelet out of its box and, with some reservation, put it in his palm.
Words: 363
I bite my lip, nervous about taking it out again. Last time I did, I ended up in Sri Lanka again dodging angry men with big guns.
This thing's brought me nothing but turmoil since Ben and I bought the matching set that long-ago day on the beach. After that, I locked it away and only brought it out when it was necessary. Then it went right back into that box.
Until now.
He asked to see it. I can't deny him that. He knows I still have it anyway. So I get it, and reluctantly I give it to him.
There's a bit of a mulling-over period before he asks me, "Are you sure about this?"
Am I sure? No! I've had it forever. It's been a grounding force for me ever since Ben left me in that beach shack.
But I've got to move on. I know this. It's necessary to do this.
I already burned the note. That was cathartic.
I nod. "Yes."
Those fingers slowly close over the leather and white shells, and once the sight of them disappears, I find that I can suddenly breathe easier. He slips the bracelet into his pocket. "Annie, I know this is tough for you - "
"I'll get over it," I say quickly.
I don't know why I lie to him. He's CIA-trained, for God's sake.
"Annie, you don't have to put on a brave face about this."
"No, I'm - I've moved on," I tell him, and it's true. I have moved on. Once that bracelet goes, I'll have nothing left to tie me back to that time, that place, that girl I'd been...and this man in front of me.
Ben smiles fondly as he pockets the bracelet. "If that's your decision..."
"It is."
He nods. "Tell Anderson he's one lucky bastard."
I smile. "Take care of yourself, Ben."
"You too, and that man of yours."
"I will, trust me."
Nice little twist we had there!
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