One earring still hung from my right lobe.

The other was missing.

I searched the bedding and found its small backing near the pillow, but no silver leaf, no blue stone.

I wanted to believe it had fallen onto the carpet.

I got on my knees and looked under the bed.

I checked the folds of the duvet twice.

At last I stood, dizzy from bending, and put the remaining earring into my bag.

Downstairs, the morning clerk was arranging registration cards behind the desk.