Chapter 365
Stella woke up feeling eyes on her. She rubbed her eyes and there he was-Jasper. Their gazes locked, neither wanting to look away.
"Stella, is this a dream?" His voice was rough, barely a whisper.
Stella tried to smile, but it came out more like a grimace. "Jasper, are you trying to scare me to death?"
Jasper's mind slowly cleared. He reached out and grabbed Stella's hand, this time with a warm, firm grip.
Stella gently touched his pale, gaunt face. "Why were you so reckless, giving your meds to Cooper?"
Jasper covered her hand with his, taking a moment before answering. "Cooper means everything to you. I wanted him to survive, to be there for you when I couldn't."
If he weren't so weak, Stella would have slapped him. "Jasper, you need to love yourself first. If you don't love yourself, how can you love anyone else?"
Jasper didn't argue. He just kept looking at her, unable to break the connection.
Stella leaned closer, resting her head on his chest. "Promise me you won't do anything this foolish again."
"I promise."
"And remember to love yourself."
it. I'll listen
tightly, not wanting to let go even for a second. Jasper felt her tears and stroked her hair. "How did you
shoulder. "He saw the fireworks I set off and braved all
given a nutrient IV and some nourishing soup. As he regained
but had managed to clutch Cooper. The dust storm was brutal, flinging them around. When he came to, they were both injured, Cooper's belly slashed by a flying rock. Stumbling through the storm, they were tossed around multiple times, Jasper's thigh getting injured. They eventually found
with limited medical supplies, Jasper tended to Cooper's wounds, rationing most of their food and
stopped, but by then, he couldn't move and had to let Cooper go.
him but also find a way to save them both. Maybe it
boy." Cooper suddenly broke down, whimpering
calming Cooper, Jasper tried to sit up, anxiety clear in his voice. "What about
worry about Rosie. She's volunteering at the relief camp.
but Jasper and Cooper were too weak. A crowded camp would make caring for them difficult, especially
in Arcadia for three days, but Stella had faith in Rosie. "She's sensible; she won't wander
return for a few days. She had
you and Cooper are a bit
scarce food for over ten days, even the strongest body would
She focused on a diet of fruits and balanced meals,
Jasper grew anxious about Rosie. Stella had no choice but to leave Arcadia
the cave was overwhelming, the area littered with rotting carcasses. They covered their mouths and
thigh and twisted his back and couldn't walk.
them with food, water, and
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