10 The Lamb
Violet Hawkins re-enters her home carrying a small box and the rest of their mail.
"Another box for you, Earl," she says, approaching his recliner.
Violet hands him the box and brings him a pair of scissors. Earl snips the tape with short, precise cuts, careful not to scratch the item inside. He reaches into the protective cushioning and pulls out a silver-colored case. Violet, standing by his side, gasps as the content is revealed.
"Oh Earl, it's heavenly."
"This is actually a pleasant surprise," he adds, holding the ornament up near eye-level. "It is more compelling in reality than in the photograph."
A benevolent lion lays on a platform bed covered in snowflakes. Nestled against his shoulder and under his mane is a dainty lamb with a pink bow around her neck. Beh
