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."

keep that from Rosemary. It was simply the

piece, she

chose to feel about Jarrod,

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

eyes widened in surprise. "Wasn't

head. "No. Jarrod brought him in from abroad. Otherwise, we

frowned. "So now we

past is past. There's no point dwelling on right or wrong. Let's try to keep a clear mind, not let old grievances color how we feel now, all

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

past couldn't be

close enough to death herself-there

she

didn't understand. Contes

her face. "Elodie, do you... still have feelings for

a question best

She pulled Elodie

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

The next morning.

she spotted Jarrod's car

stopped, and

could see

against the

furrowed even in sleep.

if he'd dozed

all night,

make a show

words from the night

didn't really understand

affairs.