By Isolde   (READ THIS ONE  -  REALLY)
Date: 22 January 1999

Artifact: A Trilogy (The Middle)

The tiny slip of parchment was rolled up and placed inside an antique silver
Tibetan scroll box.  Traditionally, the owner of the scroll box would have 
an especially meaningful prayer inscribed on parchment, which would be rolled
up and placed in the container. 

The scroll box is a small sterling silver octagonal tube, sealed at one end 
and with a removable silver cap on the other.  It is about 3 inches long and 
covered in prayers in ornate Tibetan script.  There are three loops on the top, 
to allow a cord to pass through, so the wearer can have the sacred writing on 
their person at all times.

This silver scroll box, and the tiny scroll with the poem on it, were a gift 
to me just over four years ago.  When I received this gift, I was incredibly 
moved by this display of devotion.  A poem for me...pledging undying love...
pledging eternity...written in BLOOD to show the writer's sincerity.  And 
placed in this tiny, meaningful, holy scroll box, so that I could wear it 
always.  How much more heartfelt could a gift be?  It had to be true love, 
right?  How much more romantic and devoted could any man be?

At first, I wore the scroll box with it's poem of tender devotion every day, 
suspended from a silver chain around my neck.  But as things began to change 
in the relationship, as he seemed to withdraw and become more distant, I wore 
it less and less.  As of today, I haven't worn it in over two years.