The Three Necklaces Chapter 1

After I was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

I bought three necklaces and hid them in three different places.

"Hubby, these are my favorite necklaces. You have to burn one for me on my death anniversary every year, okay?"

With that one sentence, I leashed the mad dog that was Ethan Sterling.

I stopped him from jumping off a building, made him throw away his sleeping pills.

Relying on this promise, he survived year after year.

Until a young girl appeared by Ethan's side.

She was innocent and kind, like a warm little sun.

Ethan moved out of our marital home and gave away the puppy I raised.

On the third anniversary of my death, Ethan didn't come.

I slipped into Ethan's dream, acting cute:

"Hubby, you dummy, you haven't found this year's necklace yet."

Ethan, who usually chattered endlessly to me, was inexplicably silent.

After a long time, he said:

"Willow, it's been three years. I need to start a new life too."

* * *

After Ethan said that, I was stunned for a long time before replying slowly:

"Oh, I see."

After that sentence, silence fell between us.

Ethan lowered his head, hair obscuring his eyes, lost in thought.

Actually, this is how it should be.

Trees grow upward, people should look forward to the future.

I opened my mouth, trying to pretend to be happy.

But for some reason, I couldn't curve my lips into a smile no matter how hard I tried.

"Is it that girl from your company? She's quite cute. If you're together, treat her well..."

Ethan gave a soft "mn."

I had so many other questions.

I wanted to ask why he moved out of our marital home.

I wanted to ask why he gave away my puppy.

I also wanted to ask if he would still visit my grave on future anniversaries.

But hearing that "mn."

I suddenly didn't know what to say, so I turned around somewhat flustered:

"Oh, okay, then I'll get going..."

I had drifted a few steps away when a voice suddenly came from behind:

"Willow, did you really like that necklace?"

It was Ethan, his voice characteristically deep.

Everyone else called me Willow.

Only Ethan called me Will.

"Not really, actually I didn't like it that much."

Three years ago, I hid those necklaces to give Ethan something to hold onto.

So he wouldn't be impulsive, wouldn't follow me in grief.

But now, it's not needed.

A new girl has appeared by his side.

The girl is passionate and bold, approaching him day after day.

Melting Ethan's heart, giving him the motivation to live.

My necklace seems a bit like an eyesore now.

Ethan asked me: "Will, are you angry?"

Actually, there's no reason to be angry.

My tone was serious: "Ethan Sterling, I'm really not angry."

I shouldn't be selfish and domineering, occupying Ethan's life even after death.

How could I be angry? If I had to say.

Maybe my heart just feels a little sour, so sour my eyes are a bit red.

I looked at the moisture on my fingertips, wondering if ghosts can cry too?