Chapter 11
Looking at his broken legs and arms, I froze, unable to figure out where to touch him without causing more pain.
“Mary,” he called, his voice soft but steady.
He smiled at me, bright and unwavering despite everything. “I told you–your dream is my dream. I promised I’d always accompany you.”
A faint chuckle escaped his lips. “And I did it.”
He paused, his gaze searching mine. “I know you won’t forgive me,” he said, his voice trembling slightly, “but please… don’t hate me, okay?”
Slowly, he stretched out his hand, revealing the ring I had left behind.
The calm I thought I’d built around my heart shattered. A wave of emotion rippled through me, unstoppable. Tears blurred my
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Chapter 11
vision as they fell uncontrollably.
Grasping his hand tightly, I choked out, “I don’t hate you.”
At those words, Gary, who had been struggling just to remain upright, broke into a laugh through his tears. His voice cracked as he said, “Mary, I regret it so much!”
Then his body slackened, and his eyes closed completely.
I handed his body over to the team, knowing that they would ensure he was returned home–back to the people who loved him.
Taking one last, lingering look, I carefully hung the ring around my neck. Its weight pressed against my chest, heavier than I’d imagined.
“Mary, catch up!” a little girl from our team called from nearby, her voice cutting through the haze.
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BOKS
Chapter 11
I drew in a deep breath, reining in my emotions, and answered her steadily.
“Coming!”
With that, I turned and moved forward, leaving behind the final remnants of what
once was.
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