How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

He didn't leave right away.noveldrama

Instead, he leaned against the car door, taking his time.

He reached through the open window and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

Truth was, he'd never really been much of a smoker. Lately, though, with all the stress and his mood in shambles, it seemed like this was the only thing that helped him unwind, if only a little.

Especially in front of Elodie, he felt he had to keep it together for her sake. At the very least, he wanted to give her some sense of security. If he looked like the world was falling apart, Elodie's anxiety would only get worse. Anyone would be scared, facing an illness like hers. The last thing he wanted was for his own breakdown to make her feel hopeless about her chances, to push her deeper into fear.

So he stood there for a long time.

Long enough that his legs were starting to go numb.

Elodie's condition was unpredictable right now.

He hadn't yet earned her grandmother's and uncle's forgiveness, and he couldn't justify sticking to Elodie's side all the time.

There was no point in going back home-he wouldn't be able to sleep anyway.

So he decided to make do in the car for the night.

It was enough just to be close by.

If anything happened, he'd be there to help right away.

It brought him a little peace, too.

Still, he pulled the car farther down the street, so Elodie wouldn't see it and feel burdened by his presence.

After her shower, Elodie sat down to talk with Rosemary.

She understood her grandmother's protectiveness-how could she not? But still... "Grandma, there's something I should tell you." Elodie took Rosemary's hand and guided her to sit. “The doctor Uncle's been seeing—Jarrod was the one who found him. Uncle wouldn't be doing this well without Jarrod's help."

She didn't think it was right to keep that from Rosemary. It was simply the truth.

Once she'd said her piece, she didn't push the matter further.

However Rosemary chose to feel about Jarrod, Elodie wouldn't interfere.

It was a matter of decency. She couldn't just pretend Jarrod's efforts didn't count, or that he owed them this help.

Rosemary's eyes widened in surprise. "Wasn't it you who arranged for him?"

Elodie shook her head. "No. Jarrod brought him in from abroad. Otherwise, we might never have gotten an appointment."

Rosemary frowned. "So now we owe him a favor."

Elodie leaned gently against her grandmother's shoulder. "I just mean... what's past is past. There's no point dwelling on right or wrong. Let's try to keep a clear mind, not let old grievances color how we feel now, all right?"

She didn't want her grandmother and uncle to stay trapped by the past, unable to move forward.

The past couldn't be changed. She'd

been close enough to death herself-there wasn't much

she

didn't understand. Contes

Suddenly, Rosemary turned to her, searching her face. "Elodie, do you... still have feelings for him?"

Elodie paused, then smiled. "I think that's a question best saved for when I've recovered, don't you?"

Rosemary's heart ached. She pulled Elodie into her arms.

If she could trade her own life for her granddaughter's health, she would do it in a heartbeat.

The next morning.

When Rosemary stepped out for her walk, she spotted Jarrod's car parked a little ways down the street.

She stopped, and through the

window she could see him

d against the seat, bidet

furrowed even in sleep.

He looked thoroughly uncomfortable, as if he'd dozed off while keeping guard.

It was obvious he'd been there all night, but had parked far enough away so as

not to make a show of it.

Rosemary recalled Elodie's words from the night before.

She didn't really understand the

younger generation's affairs. She did

have her frustrations with

Jarrod even knowing he'd helped with the doctor, she could only

promise not to interfere. Some things, and some people, just took

time to understand.

With a sigh, she continued her stroll.

If it were possible, she hoped Elodie would someday find someone she could truly

lean on.

Jarrod hadn't slept long. His head was heavy when he woke, and the first thing he did was send Elodie a text.

[You awake?]

A moment later, Elodie replied: [Not yet.]

He glanced through the car window toward the house, eyes landing on the window of Elodie's room.

Once he was sure she was all right, he finally allowed himself to relax a little.

He texted again: [Would you mind asking Ms. Thorne to accept my friend request? Thanks.]

After hitting send, he added Elodie's contact information.

Once the request was sent, he started the engine and drove home to the apartment he and Elodie had shared.

He needed a shower and a fresh set of clothes. There was something more important waiting for him today.

He still had to deal with what happened yesterday-Patricia's incident.

He wasn't about to let that go. He still had cards left to play.