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."

was right to keep that from

said her piece, she didn't push

feel

was a matter of decency. She couldn't just pretend Jarrod's efforts didn't count, or

in surprise. "Wasn't it you

from abroad. Otherwise, we might never have

now we

gently against her grandmother's shoulder. "I just mean... what's 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

stay trapped by the past, unable to

past couldn't be

enough to death herself-there wasn't

she

didn't understand. Contes

to her, searching her face. "Elodie,

question best saved for when I've recovered, don't

pulled

her own life for her

The next morning.

walk, she spotted Jarrod's car parked a little ways down the

stopped, and

she could

against the

furrowed even in sleep.

thoroughly uncomfortable, as if

night, but had parked

to make a show

words from the night

really

generation's affairs.