The Ghost Bride

did not like to give or receive certain gifts for superstitious reasons: knives, because they could sever a relationship; handkerchiefs, for they portended weeping; and clocks, as they were thought to measure out the days of your life.

And that I want to be his bride.

Open your mouth, then.”

“Why?”

“I’m going to put my tongue in.”

She turned. The expression on her face was strained, almost fearful. “Are you pregnant?”

though sporadic, was still cordial

glanced up with an apologetic air.

ad a vaguely sheepish air as though he was sorry he had ever mentioned it.

a very opinionated and despotic one who nonetheless loved me with all her heart.

The heart of a great and glittering empire that stretched

My heart was too full, my thoughts a storm of paper fragments.