slumber, I realize this is really happening, and I’m ready for whatever life throws my way. Whatever is coming, I will never give up. And I mean that in every way possible.
Six Weeks Later
I’ve beaten all odds, but there really is no surprise there. Each day I grow weaker, but funnily enough, that doesn’t make me sad. I know I don’t have long, but each day spent with Roman over these past few weeks has made me appreciate life in ways I never thought possible.
We traveled, we laughed, we loved, and we cried. Nothing stood in our way. Nothing was too far or too much. We embraced life with both hands.
My health has not only deteriorated but so has Roman’s. He struggles to do simple chores such as climbing a staircase or taking Freud for a walk. I know he hates it, but we’re locked in a silent agreement not to discuss “it.” He’s still stubborn, headstrong, and as infuriating as usual about the subject, but so am I.
I let it rest, though, because I wanted to live out our final days in peace. And we have. No talk of dying or doom or gloom has been allowed.
But that’s about to change.
I believe everything happens for a reason, so my return to Strawberry Fields was inevitable. If miracles can happen, then tonight is the night. It seems fitting it ends where it all started because Roman has no idea what’s about to happen.
June has organized a party for the kids and their families. It’s quite a lavish affair. But there’s a reason we’re all here.
I knew once I left here, I would be a changed woman, but I just never knew how much. I’ve grown into the woman I’ve always wanted to become, and I’ve achieved everything I’ve wanted, regardless of the fact I had a deadline. We all want more time, but I wouldn’t give up my life, even as it is.
“Sit still,” Zoe admonishes playfully, tugging at a curl in my hair.
Clutching at the locket between my breasts, I meet Zoe’s gaze in the mirror in her room. “Thank you.” And I mean that in every literal way.
She nods, a nostalgic smile tugging at her lips.
Facing death hasn’t turned me into some superhero. It’s made me human. I never knew the reason I was drawn here, but now I do.
“Ready?” Zoe asks, placing her hands on my shoulder.
She knows me too well. I will never give up on Roman. I will fight for him with my last dying breath.
“Yes. I was born ready.”
She laughs, and the sound is one I will truly miss.
It takes me three attempts, but I eventually stand.
“You look so beautiful.” Zoe brushes a curl behind my ear.
Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I come to appreciate that I don’t look beautiful; I look alive, which is an oxymoron, considering I’m embracing the end of my days. I’ve opted for contacts, and my eyes are swathed in a gray shimmer. My mascara lashes are long and full, and my cheeks are tinted with a rosy glow. One could almost mistake me for healthy—almost.
She offers me her arm, always my pillar of strength.
My jeweled flats scuff along the carpet, but Zoe doesn’t rush me. She is with me every slow step of the way.
It takes about twenty minutes, but we eventually arrive at the outdoor pavilion. An eighties love song catches on the cool breeze, and a flurry of butterflies suddenly fills my belly.
“I’m nervous,” I confess, wiping my hands on my ballooned dress.
“Don’t be.” Zoe is right. What I have planned will make all this worthwhile.
Taking a deep breath, I appreciate the glorious sight before us. The night sky glows bright with hundreds of tea light candles sprinkled around the grounds. Tables as far as the eye can see are scattered around the lawn.
I make out many familiar faces, most of whom I invited. Teddy and Dr. Carter are sitting by the small bar. Dr. Carter’s hoarse voice booms loudly, no doubt subjected to Teddy’s infamous charm.
Tamara and my peers sit at a table, chatting and smiling happily. She must feel me watching her because she turns and meets my eyes. There are no hard feelings between us. For her to move on, Roman told her everything. His actions were explained, and she soon realized it wasn’t her. If things were different, she would be a perfect mate, but life doesn’t work that way. I should know.