Blue topaz wrapped in linen handkerchief rescued by the cleaners were handed over when I retrieved the suit. I took them home, placed the plastic cocoon among coats and dresses not likely to be used ever again. The handkerchief with its contents went into the dresser drawer with the spare underwear and socks, in the corner under the links tray.

We had both agreed when he left it was time. In later months extending into years It was good to occasionally embrace and relive, if only in imagination and memory those unique interludes of contentment.

The other day I found the jewelry still as he had wrapped the pieces.

I shed tears, blue in joy for their beauty, perfectly preserved.