Pandora's Box Spring 2021

Mandarin Ducks Sarah Siemsgluess “Oh, how charming! They look almost real.”

With delight, Gwyneth admired the two wooden ducks that sat perched on the mantelpiece. Each duck had been hand-carved skillfully, with a softly curved neck and feathers etched intricately into the wood. The glossy mahogany pieces were painted with vivid oranges and soft reds and creamy whites. The ducks gazed at each other with uncanny warmth.

Diana Wong smiled, “My husband and I had them specially commissioned for our wedding. Mandarin ducks have a special significance in China, you know. Like swans, they only have one mate for life, so for thousands of years, they were regarded as symbols of lifelong love and happiness in marriage. ” “That’s very romantic. Now that I look at them, they do rather look like lovers.”

“Would you like some more coffee?” Diana asked.

“Thanks, that would be nice.” After Diana had left the room, Gwyneth half-rose from her chair, hesitating. She walked over to the mantelpiece and stood there, silent. The ducks looked at each other with a private and mysterious warmth that eluded her. She tremulously stretched out her hand toward the mantelpiece.

“Here’s your coffee.” Gwyneth started, whirling around to see Diana setting a cup down. Reading Diana’s expression, Gwyneth drew her hand back from the ledge as if bitten.

Gwyneth opened her mouth but no words came out. Finally, she managed, “I’m very sorry.”

46