Sebastian presented me with a large silver mirror. It hangs upon my bedroom wall. Sometimes, when I look into the mirror, I feel my mind taken up with many strange but peaceful thoughts.

He said he bought it in an antique shop. Its beauty seemed to have drawn him in. He laughed saying that his own reflection appeared more handsome despite the deep scars that pucker his cheek, forehead and chin.

Beside the mirror, he found a silver necklace, its pendant shaped in a number 4. Often, when I wear the necklace, I feel it vibrate like little taps of fairy fingers. Sebastian laughs when I mention this sensation but doesn’t suggest that I’m a little insane.

He also gave me a silver statuette of a Moon Goddess. Sebastian thought her beautiful. Said it reminded him of the way I once was when we first met at a college party that winter's night, thirty years ago.

These gifts were presented to me, last September, and I treasure the thought that my husband took such care in selecting perfect presents in celebration of our Silver Wedding Anniversary.

They compliment the pastel shades of my bedroom, adding a touch elegance to the room. Through a Georgian window, I can see lawns, rose beds and a high wall, beyond; a sturdy granite wall that protects the garden from keen easterly winds.

Sebastian promised me that I’d be safe here. He pledged that he’d always take care of me. Even after what happened all those years ago, he has remained loyal and true to our marriage vows.

For two years we were lovers. Then we married. Five years later, I lost our baby. Around that time, I attacked Sebastian though I have no memory of the terrible incident.

Now I’m here, safe, in this lovely house. Sebastian lives in the city, but drives down to visit every other weekend. When he arrives, I tell him about the Moon Goddess who keeps me calm with her silent wisdom. I speak of the necklace and its gentle tapping assurances whenever I feel anxiety rise.

Later, after our walk around the gardens, both of us stand in front of the silver mirror with his arms around my waist, clasping me tight. As we stand there, we smile at our younger reflections. Then he releases me and says goodbye until the next time.