Before, it bound me, a small loop of entrapment, endlessly holding me still. All these years, an invisible string connected us, never allowing me to stray too far.
Today, my thumb rubs where the ring used to be, and for the first time in forever, I smile.
Arden Ruth 
I miss reading your “pieces”.
And cannot wait to read your book!
Thank you, Brenda!
“My thumb rubs where the ring used to be” I found myself doing the same. Great tactile detail.
Thank you so much!
Well done. So vivid in so few words.
Thanks, Matt!!
What a way to make a re-entrance! Arden! This was fab. Subtle and powerful.
Thank you, Asha!
I love this piece – there’s so much said in so few words. I loved the tactile image of the thumb rubbing where the ring used to be – it’s one I’m familiar with and so too, the sense of freedom!
Thank you so very much!
This makes me wonder what she did with that ring. Toilet, river, in his face, pawn shop, recycle bin? Inquiring minds want to know. Loved that finger rubbing last line, I could almost see the pale skin of where it was.
Haha – I’ll have to think more on that 🙂 Thank you!
There’s so much behind this short. Loved that aspect very much.
Thank you so much!
I love how well you depict the feeling of being untethered here, as though the symbolic weight of the ring was so much greater than the physical weight. And rather than being set adrift, the narrator has found her freedom. Beautiful.
Thank you, Christine!
Great contrast in the “before” and “after.” As a thumb-ring-fidgeter, that image was very relatable!
Thank you, Laura!!
There’s so much story here in so few words. Fabulous details too!