A Breath in the Gloom

Silence held the air motionless. Slowly, deliberate sensation returned to my fingers. I lowered my gaze, testing the tension across my collar. As my right hand lifted, the tips of my fingers touched the cold black gem resting at the base of my throat. It yielded a faint, solid click against my nail. My lips parted slightly, drawing in the cool room air. I remained standing upright, calm and unhurried, listening to the ambient quiet of the evening.