How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Lucy's eyes sparkled as she carefully cradled the gift she'd picked out, her smile open and genuine. She waited, expectantly, for Esmeralda to take it.

But Lucy's words, cheerful and innocent as they were, cut straight through Esmeralda like an invisible blade, sharp and cold.

Esmeralda's gaze flickered past Lucy to Fleming, standing quietly behind her. So, he didn't remember at all... Not even her birthday. It had come to this-Lucy, not Fleming, had thought to bring a gift on his behalf.

Esmeralda hesitated for a long moment, her hands unmoving.

Lucy glanced around, a little confused, a little embarrassed now that a few people had started to look their way. She leaned in, voice soft and uncertain. "You... don't like it?"

Fleming noticed Lucy's discomfort. After all, she'd put real effort into picking out a gift, and now Esmeralda was just standing there, not taking it.

He turned to Esmeralda, his tone gentle but firm. "Lucy chose it with care. Go ahead, accept it. Consider it from both of us."

He didn't want Lucy to feel awkward in front of everyone.

Elodie, nearby, caught the subtle undertone in Fleming's words. She frowned ever

so slightly; it was clear to her that Fleming's concern was mostly for Lucy.

much it hurt her that he'd forgotten her birthday. But he'd spoken, and Lucy was only trying to be kind. Esmeralda didn't want to make

took the gift, her voice barely

breath, flashing Fleming a triumphant smile—her eyes saying, See? I told you it'd be fine. "I'm glad

so many eyes pressing down

Lucy had stepped in where Fleming hadn't. It was painfully obvious now-Fleming didn't really

Esmeralda's discomfort, Elodie slipped her hand into Esmeralda's and pulled her away, guiding her toward a table, making it clear she

glancing back as she walked

was leading Lucy to their seats

realize something. She turned to Fleming. "Hey, maybe you should

always did think of

Esmeralda, who was watching him, then said, "Esmeralda has her

around her water

catching on. "I'm not

didn't reply, just poured her a glass

ache in her chest. She'd been scolded by Fleming before for asking about his relationship Lucy, and since then, she'd never

it always seemed like Fleming's attention drifted back

known Esmeralda acted carefree, but deep down, she was a

gentle kindness, Esmeralda