How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

He didn't leave right away.

Instead, he leaned against the car door, taking his time.

He reached through the open window and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

Truth was, he'd never really been much of a smoker. Lately, though, with all the stress and his mood in shambles, it seemed like this was the only thing that helped him unwind, if only a little.

Especially in front of Elodie, he felt he had to keep it together for her sake. At the very least, he wanted to give her some sense of security. If he looked like the world was falling apart, Elodie's anxiety would only get worse. Anyone would be scared, facing an illness like hers. The last thing he wanted was for his own breakdown to make her feel hopeless about her chances, to push her deeper into fear.

So he stood there for a long time.

Long enough that his legs were starting to go numb.

Elodie's condition was unpredictable right now.

He hadn't yet earned her grandmother's and uncle's forgiveness, and he couldn't justify sticking to Elodie's side all the time.

There was no point in going back home-he wouldn't be able to sleep anyway.

So he decided to make do in the car for the night.

It was enough just to be close by.

If anything happened, he'd be there to help right away.

It brought him a little peace, too.

Still, he pulled the car farther down the street, so Elodie wouldn't see it and feel burdened by his presence.

After her shower, Elodie sat down to talk with Rosemary.

She understood her grandmother's protectiveness-how could she not? But still... "Grandma, there's something I should tell you." Elodie took Rosemary's hand and guided her to sit. “The doctor Uncle's been seeing—Jarrod was the one who found him. Uncle wouldn't be doing this well without Jarrod's help."

didn't think it was right to keep that from Rosemary. It

she didn't

Rosemary chose to feel about

pretend Jarrod's efforts didn't count, or that he

in surprise. "Wasn't it

in from abroad. Otherwise,

we owe him a

just mean... what's past is past. There's no point dwelling on right or wrong. Let's try to

her grandmother and uncle to stay trapped by the past, unable to

couldn't

to

she

didn't understand. Contes

her face. "Elodie, do you...

think that's a question best saved for when I've recovered,

pulled

own life for her granddaughter's health, she would do it

The next morning.

spotted Jarrod's car parked a little

and through

could

the

furrowed even in sleep.

if he'd

was obvious he'd been there all night,

a

words

really

affairs.