How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Emile still looked thin, the effects of chemotherapy leaving him pale and frail. He always wore a knitted beanie to cover his head.

When Elodie arrived, she found him out on the balcony, soaking up the afternoon

sun.

She couldn't help but remember her own early days of chemo-the weakness, the hollowed cheeks. For a moment she drifted, lost in the memory, before snapping back and holding out two carefully wrapped gifts. "Happy birthday, Uncle. These are from me and Jarrod."

For Emile, she had hunted down a rare physics book-something specific to his field that had taken her ages to find.

Once, her uncle had been a renowned physics professor, respected in academic circles and beloved by generations of students. He'd dedicated his life to science, and if not for the events of years past, he might have been as esteemed as Professor Charlie himself.

The other gift, chosen on Jarrod's behalf, was a luxury fountain pen. It had cost over a thousand dollars-practical for her uncle and very much in line with Jarrod's taste.

"Is Mr. Silverstein busy?" Emile asked with a cheerful smile as he accepted the gifts.

Elodie nodded, seizing the excuse. "Yeah, it's the end of the year. He's swamped."

Jarrod to play along and help her explain things to her grandmother and uncle was

her head in mild disappointment and set a dish of sweet-and-sour ribs on the table. "Well, it's

was in shambles, and her grandparents and uncle worried about her constantly. Worse, neither of them had ever received the respect from Jarrod they deserved. He wouldn't even show up in person to

affair was with the daughter of the very woman who had once

step up and help her out

companies. Being busy at year's end is normal. The birthday isn't a big deal," Emile said, patting her shoulder in

Don't worry about me and your uncle. We don't care

looked well lately. Are

but lately she hid behind a polished facade. He

wasn't ready to tell them about her diagnosis—she could only buy

Don't ever feel like you have to bend over backwards for Jarrod's family. Worst case, I'll sell this place and give you the money to invest in your own future.

million. No matter

Grandpa made this house a home. It should never be sold. It means too much." Rosemary squeezed her hand, her eyes soft with love, and let the matter drop. After dinner, Elodie decided to stay overnight.

ten in a row, including a collage of photos and several candid shots of men and

Sylvie's social media. Her