It started with his fingernails, which grew pale and then transparent, revealing pink skin and tiny blue veins at the tips of his fingers.

     This happened so gradually that I scarcely noticed the change until, one evening at the ballet, I reached to clasp his hand and felt only the smooth, gold wedding band. Then, as I pressed it, this too dissolved and, groping in the dark, I found nothing—nothing!

    "Gifford!" I gasped over high stringed notes. "What in the name of heaven—?"