When There Is Nothing Left But Love (Ashton And Scarlett)

I could empathize with Marcus if he refused to be seen by someone he loved in a state ravaged by illness. His emotions were my priority, and I would respect any decision he made.

Marcus stared at me quietly for a long time until it felt like the time and space around us were frozen. His pupils barely moved, and he did not seem angered by my presence. Only the arrhythmic beating of his heart assured me that he was still alive.

I took his silence as tactful rejection. Maybe Marcus was not prepared to see me yet.

Mustering a smile on my face, I nodded my head a fraction to let him know that I was not upset by his decision.

I had just turned around to leave when he said, “I knew you would come. Please take a seat.” I knew you would come. Please, sit.

The words rang in my head as I took a deep breath to push down the urge to burst into tears. I composed myself before returning to his bedside and taking a seat.

“How do you feel today? Better?” This sort of small talk felt rather cliché to me, yet it always seemed like the most natural thing to do.

That I’m feeling great, or no?” Each word seemed to sap Marcus’ energy, though he stubbornly maintained that self-deprecating expression on

are you

and teased, “You shouldn’t concern yourself with my feelings at

comedies. It was the most trivial of matters that often courted

it came time to knock on death’s door, one would wear a perpetual smile and assure everyone that everything was fine. It was as if living in denial

to imminent death. In a sense, lying was the only way to pull through

to exhaust him as he added weakly, “I

his anger, yet I could not suppress the sorrow that

as he said this, and his warm breath fogged up

to reveal my emotions and shook my head. Instead, I coaxed him, “Nothing. You shouldn’t be scared, either. I’ve tracked down the best doctors in the world, and they’ll figure something out. You’re Marcus White, for God’s sake. You’ve cheated death

moment before lifting my gaze. Nudging his elbow, I

lowered his gaze slowly until it landed on the spot where I had touched him. The expression in his eyes did not change as he silently contemplated my