Becoming a Free Spirit

She lay dying in my arms. A brief smile came across her face.

She croaked "honey remember that idol I told you about locked away in the safety deposit box?"

"Yes dear but save your strength okay, I'm not concerned about some idol"

"But I have to tell you about it. It's has special powers that will change you forever. Take it and throw it into the sea. Promise me this okay?"

I whispered in her ear "Yes I promise"

She smiled, closed her eyes and said. "Remember I will always be a part of you."

Then she gasped a little and was gone.

I lay next to her for a few hours, holding her lifeless body in my arms.

I called the authorities. The arrangements were made and we buried her within the next few days.

Her family had disowned her when we got married.

Annie said she saw something in me that warmed her heart.

I was in a state of morning for about a month. I didn't care about anyone or anything. I just sat in my house and mourned for her.

I got fired from my job and started living off of my savings.

While I was in the bank one day I decided to check out the deposit box. I knew I promised her I would throw it in the sea but I thought maybe I could pawn it off.

I took it home and just sat and stared at it. I ran my hands over the smooth woodcarving. It felt strange in my hands. I fell asleep with it in my hands.

I woke up during the night in a cold sweat. My body felt strange. It was almost like I had the flu. All my muscles ached.

I decided that maybe a soaking in the tub might help for a bit.

I stumbled out of bed, I started to open my eyes but when I did I felt nauseous

I kept them closed as headed in the dark to the bathroom. My pajama bottoms fell to the floor and I almost tripped on them. I kicked them off and stepped into the bathroom.

I turned the light on and opened an eye. It was so bright I had to shut it off.

I started the bath water.

Once it was filled I lay in it for a bit and felt a little better.