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.

it hurt her that he'd forgotten her birthday. But he'd

gift, her

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

the weight of so many eyes pressing

the room. It wasn't as if Esmeralda was oblivious; everyone could tell Lucy had stepped in where Fleming

hand into Esmeralda's and pulled her away, guiding her toward a table, making

quietly, glancing back as

Lucy to their seats

Esmeralda, then seemed to realize something. She turned to Fleming. "Hey, maybe you should sit with Esmeralda.

did

who was watching him, then said, "Esmeralda has her friends. You just have me.

grip tightened around her water

chuckled, finally catching on. "I'm not a

didn't reply, just poured her

scolded by Fleming before for asking about his relationship Lucy, and

seemed like Fleming's attention drifted back to

flickering in her eyes. She'd always known Esmeralda acted carefree, but deep down, she was a genuinely sweet girl—a little wild, perhaps, but never overstepping

confronted with Lucy's gentle