How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"Jarrod, that was quick thinking-you nearly saved Sylvie from getting burned," Maurice said, letting out a relieved sigh as he noticed the close call.

Everyone's attention turned to Sylvie.

She had indeed been standing quite close to the oven tray just moments ago.

Seeing everyone's concern, Sylvie offered a graceful smile. "Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine."

Octavia, the one who'd started all the commotion, rushed over in a panic, cradling Sylvie's hands with guilt. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to! I nearly gave myself a heart attack!"

Sylvie ruffled her hair affectionately. "It's alright, really."

Elodie curled her fingers into her palm.

Suddenly, she realized she'd been overthinking things.

Jarrod's reaction hadn't been out of worry for her at all. He'd only panicked because Sylvie was almost hurt-he hadn't even hesitated to put himself at risk.

Only Sylvie, it seemed, could rattle the calm, collected Jarrod.

Joseph, after making sure Elodie was unscathed, finally settled back in his seat.

Freya glanced over, concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you're okay? Let me see your hand."

Elodie shook her head.

Across from her, Alexander's expression shifted subtly as he glanced at Jarrod, who was still shielding Sylvie. "Mr. Silverstein, didn't you see that Elodie was nearly burned too?"

Elodie had been standing even closer to the tray than Sylvie.

been in any danger

now did Jarrod finally turn his gaze in Elodie's

replied, voice cool and steady, "Is

her breath

hadn't even spared her so much as a passing

completely unconcerned whether she was hurt

person he truly cared

himself at a

understood what Elodie's last

toward her was

were over twenty people on this side of the campsite,

Wrapping her soft woolen shawl tighter around her shoulders, she walked over to her tent and sat down. The view here was beautiful, the air was clean, and the stars overhead seemed especially brilliant

herself to enjoy the rare peace of

less about what Jarrod and the others

time, Freya

brought Elodie a hand warmer and a thermos filled

young, but she was unfailingly considerate. "If

tent's right next to yours-don't

genuine smile.

Freya left, Joseph wandered

a conversation, but it felt rude to ignore him.

sure himself why he'd ended up here. He hesitated. "It's supposed to get colder tonight. Make sure

"...Alright."

behavior a little odd lately, though she couldn't put her finger on exactly

to speak to

he'd just been dismissive

the awkwardness, Joseph seemed on the