How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

As soon as Elodie left, Maurice noticed immediately. "Why did she just leave like that?"

Jarrod glanced in her direction, spotting the untouched plate of food.

"Wow, some people really don't know how to appreciate kindness," Maurice said, shaking his head with a bored sigh. "She acts like she's doing us a favor just by being here."

Sylvie, however, kept quiet.

Of course she understood what was going on in Elodie's mind.

It was just pride-feeling slighted, thinking Jarrod was playing favorites. She was upset, and her wounded ego wouldn't let her stay any longer.

Sylvie glanced at Jarrod.

He'd already turned away, clearly not giving it a second thought.

She curled her lips into a faint smile. "When we're done eating, will you come for a walk with me?"

Jarrod nodded. "Sure."

It was Elodie's first time in Fairview Crossing, though her mother had gone to college here. On a whim, she decided to visit her mom's old campus.

She'd made a reservation ahead of time, so once she got through the gates, she wandered for a while.

Fairview University was one of the country's top art schools; her mother had studied oil painting here. Back in her day, she'd been the top student on the national entrance exam, and one of her paintings still hung in the university's gallery.

stood before it

be two companion pieces. Fairview University displayed one, but the other had gone missing years ago

near the end, her mother was still thinking about

find it, her mother's

at her mother's work, lingering on the signature at the bottom-

she'd been bottling up came crashing

she'd swallowed lately rose up too, making her nose sting and

mother was

was no one left

of her eyes with her fingertips, then slowly

was already heavy with clouds, and she guessed it'd start raining soon, so she quickened her pace

moment she reached the gate, rain

She hurried, lifting her bag over her head as she

Jarrod and Sylvie strolling toward her under an umbrella. Jarrod was holding it slightly tilted to keep

They saw her too.

met hers, and his brow seemed

he thought she was ruining his mood

so of course she'd want

Elodie's ride arrived.

composed, and ducked into the car, shielding herself

the hotel,

had never been robust; the slightest chill was enough to make her

slept. When she woke, sweaty and groggy, she fumbled for her phone. She didn't know when Alexander would be back, but wanted to ask

She dialed his number.