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But I am delaying looking, not because I’m afraid, but because I don’t want the anticipation to be over.

The lights flicker again.

My vision darkens at its edges, turning the room into a vignette of itself, with shadows closing in.

I’m shaking now.

Because whatever is inside this box is going to change my life.

I can’t explain how I know. I just do.

Finally, I set the box back down, take a deep breath, and peer inside.

The first thing I notice is a soft velvet cushion, which looks like it used to be purple but is now almost black from the blood it has absorbed.

The second thing I notice is what’s sitting on top of the cushion; a tangled, bloodied mass of...

Body parts?

The sort of things you find in the back room of a butcher’s shop.

Except… human? Human body parts.

I reach in and nudge them.

Told you, not squeamish.

Beneath them, drenched in blood, is a note. I tug it free and try to decipher the blood-soaked handwriting.

Luna,

He cannot hurt you anymore.

Every part of him that ever disrespected you has been removed from his worthless body.

You no longer need to be afraid.

I will always protect you.

It is then, right then, in that moment, as I read the word disrespected, that I realize what they are.

A hand.

A tongue.

An eye.

And…

Oh shit. I know what that is. And, sure, it could belong to anyone. I mean, one penis is pretty much like the next, right? But I know – just know – it is Steven’s.

They are all his.

Pieces of him.

His hand. Pinching my arm. Listen to me Luna. Are you listening?

His eye. Steely. Pale blue. Assessing my body with disdain. With hate. Not love.