How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Sprague was on his way, and after a moment's hesitation, Elodie decided to follow along.

Right in front of her, Jarrod entered the passcode. It was the same sequence she'd seen at their old place the same one from their wedding apartment.

But as she stepped inside, she realized something startling: the décor here was absolutely identical to hers, down to the smallest detail. The floors, the tables and chairs, even the trinkets on the shelves and the curtains hanging in the windows -every last piece mirrored her own home.

For a split second, Elodie wondered if she was seeing things.

"When did you do all this?" she asked. As she spoke, Jarrod was already crouched by the shoe cabinet, pulling out a pair of women's slippers her usual brand and style.

He set them down by her feet, then looked up with a hint of a smile. "Are you planning to charge me for the design rights?"

"If you want to pay, just send the money," Elodie replied dryly. What was the point of all this verbal sparring?

Jarrod straightened up and walked farther in. "No problem. I usually use Venmo. Want to add me?"

Elodie fell silent again.

It was oddly funny-they hadn't even added each other's contacts since she'd deleted him. She knew Jarrod wasn't serious; bringing it up now felt equal parts bittersweet and ironic.

glanced to the opposite wall, she froze. There, on a cabinet exactly like hers, sat a

her and Jarrod, sitting side by side with composed expressions-neither of them looking especially happy. She'd always thought Jarrod hadn't smiled at all that day, that he must have

looking at it again, she noticed something she'd missed before—a

from their city

to her great- aunt. Jarrod had tried to send her one afterward, but by then she'd already deleted him. He'd been interrupted by a call from Sylvie and never tried again, so he hadn't realized she'd taken him off her

wanted to be in the pictures. After all, they'd barely

beside her for the camera, his

language always says more than

though, Elodie hadn't dared to

or embarrass herself

let out a quiet breath,

photos. He poured a glass of water and handed it to her. "Don't

her off guard. She looked up at

now? Was he warning her

it," he repeated, his voice steady. "I didn't

benefit. Not

for anyone.