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.

hadn't really been in any danger

did Jarrod finally turn his gaze

replied, voice cool and steady, "Is that so? I

breath catching

hadn't even spared her so much

tone was cold and indifferent, completely unconcerned whether

person he truly

himself at a loss for

finally understood what Elodie's last three years

apathy toward her was

twenty people on this side of the campsite, divided into two

tent and sat down. The view here

allowed herself to enjoy the rare peace of

less about what Jarrod and

time to time,

hand warmer and a

she was

call me. My tent's right next

managed a small, genuine smile. "Thank you,

Freya left,

it felt rude to ignore him.

he'd ended up here. He hesitated. "It's

"...Alright."

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

bothered to

he'd just been

Joseph seemed on the verge of