My shoulders slumped in relief.

"Don't worry, Vivian," I said, "I don't think it's going to kill you or anything. Just don't put it on again. I looks like I'm the only one who can wear it without getting attacked right away - I inherited it with all this money, you see." I put a finger to my lips, thinking. I could only hope I was right that Vivian would not be harmed despite wearing the necklace. I really didn't want her to get hurt - she was the first person I had become at all close to in a long time.

"If the necklace does anything to you again, let me know right away," I said, "I'll take the necklace and hide it away myself. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you!" I smiled at my niece - though she was really much more like a little sister. It felt oddly nice to be protective or someone else for a change. At the same time, I didn't regret Mother's death at all, despite how useless it had been...