"What is it love?"
She turned almost unable to meet Grayson's dark eyes. "It's my birthday."
"A day of celebration."
Amanda buried her head in his shoulder to hide the betrayal on her face. "Often."
"Then what shall we do today? Climbing trees? Hiding and seeking? What will make you happy?"
Amanda pushed away from him and forced herself to meet his eyes. "Not today."
She brushed a tuft of Grayson's white hair off his forehead and allowed her fingers to trail down his cheek. He grasped her hand and kissed her palm.
"Then what?"
She lifted her other hand and showed him an old and battered jack-in-the-box. "It's time to say goodbye."
For the first time she could ever remember, his sharp, pixie-like grin turned down into a frown. "Goodbye?"
The tears came again. Her eyes were sore from crying. "The time has come to set aside childish things."
Grayson's bushy white eyebrows furrowed. "Words from The Book."
Amanda nodded and turned back to the dark waters. He placed a hand on her wrist. "Don't. Please."
"The time has come..." Raising the box, she couldn't finish.
"But I love you."
Amanda let the box drop from her hand and with a splash it disappeared into the darkness. She was alone.
"I know."
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