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sliced into the tender skin of the nail bed. She was busy sucking her thumb and didn't notice the way her blood disappeared almost spongelike into the ancient metal of the clasp. |
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She finally managed to slide the hook to the side and lifted the lid. Inside, resting on a form-fitting green velvet pad were four perfectly round white globes about two inches in diameter. |
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"What are they?" she asked quizzically. "Golf balls?" |
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Kyna looked up at the old man's face and wished she hadn't. His teeth were black with decay and his right eye was ringed with a hard yellow crust. The good eye was focused on her with an intensity that was disconcerting. |
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"I don't rightly know what they are, lassie, I found 'em. But I know they're good luck. Just look at 'em. See how they glow. And they're warm too. Feel." |
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Kyna put a finger on the closest globe, but quickly drew it back. The globe was warm, but it gave a little when she touched it and the moment her finger came in contact with it, the necklace had started to burn like a ring of embers. |
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As soon as she removed her finger and slammed the lid, the pain went away. |
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"What's the matter?" The old man took another step closer and the smell of his unwashed body nearly made her nauseous. |
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"Nothing," she replied, taking a step back. "They are nice, but I can't accept them. They must be worth a lot of money. Just look at the workmanship on the box." |
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"They are just play pretties, lass. If they was worth anything, why would the owner have tossed 'em in the garbage?" |
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"Here, darlin', make an old man happy. Keep it. It'll bring you luck, you'll see." |
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Kyna didn't know how to say no without hurting his feelings. Laughing and shaking her head, she dug a twenty-dollar bill out of her pocket and tried to give it to him. |
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