After the introductions and the stating of degrees and specialties and as we’re packing our gear someone asked the professor about her necklace. Laughing and clutching the doubled strands of wood beads she let us know that they had belonged to her mother and were just about the only thing she had to remind of her mother.
“And no, they don’t come off for anything. Not showering, not sleeping, not making love, and not while exploring an ancient, mysterious, unopened tomb!” the professor said.
I made a mental note to keep my distance from her as we ventured into the tomb.
I know a Chekov’s gun when I see it.
Toni L.H. Boughton 