@Paganprincess 9 December 2020 edited more from that month

Token From Another

As they lay on the bed, his fingers idly entwine with hers, their heartbeats syncing and for a moment it's pure bliss. He can't remember the last time he was this happy. Actually, he can. It was the last time he saw her. The last time he was with her like this. He feels whole here, laying with her. Complete. Nothing seems to exist outside this small, peaceful room with only their breathing to disrupt the still air. The illusion is quickly shattered as he encounters the ring on her hand. He tries to ignore it. He tries to focus on the peace and contentment that he had felt only moments before but it may as well have been a life time ago now. He feels her press closer and tries to lose himself in the feel of her warm body against his. It feels right. It always has. He tries to push his nagging thoughts away. She was here with him. That was enough, wasn't it? More than anything he wanted it to be. As if sensing something she looks up at him but doesn't speak. She just reaches out and places her hand gently on his cheek. He moves away slightly and pulls his hand away from hers, trying not to notice the flicker of pain that crosses her beautiful face. He gets off of the bed and as she sits up and reaches for him, he shakes his head and takes a step back apologetically. He is conflicted. He needs the distance between them but hates it in equal measure. That a piece of metal has the power to destroy his happiness is nearly unthinkable, yet it is not the first time and he doubts it will be the last. He can't help but wonder if she has ever cursed it herself. The ring on her left hand is forever a reminder. A token from another.