I fondled the small velvet contraption, tempted beyond belief to flick it open and admire its contents. Slowly, I thumbed at the seam of the box and gnawed at my lip.

Eventually, the temptation was too much. I flipped open the little blue box and felt my sanity slip through my fingers like so many grains of sand. Inside, there was a small ring with a gold band and a single diamond. I couldn't help as my finger extended and stroked the small piece of jewellery.

I couldn't fathom ...