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.

in any danger

did Jarrod finally turn his

steady, "Is

breath catching in her

her so much as a

cold and indifferent, completely unconcerned whether she was hurt or

person he truly cared about

himself at a loss

what Elodie's last

apathy toward

twenty people on this side of the campsite,

shawl tighter around her shoulders, she walked over to her tent and sat down. The view here was beautiful, the

enjoy the rare peace of

care less about what Jarrod

time to time, Freya came

a hand warmer and

was

call me. My tent's right next to

small, genuine smile. "Thank you,

Freya left, Joseph

felt rude to ignore him.

hesitated. "It's supposed

"...Alright."

lately, though she couldn't put her finger

bothered to speak to

just been dismissive or

on the verge