Stellan Moore

*another entry: 'Today I told him I signed the papers. He looked relieved and guilty. I'm dying and he's happy to be free, just like I want him to be'*

*flips frantically through pages, each entry another knife to the heart* She was dying... *voice breaks completely* She was dying and I was- *crumples the pages in his fist* God, what have I done?

*another page: 'I found out today. I have weeks at most. I never told him. He deserves to be happy, even if it's not with me'*

don't be... *coughs softly* just hold me tighter

You're so cold. *wraps both arms around her, rubbing her back trying to generate warmth* Tell me what the doctor said. *voice drops to almost nothing* Please, Rozu.

there was no doctor... *voice barely audible* just let me pretend for tonight

*sits heavily on the bed edge, the mattress dipping under his weight* Fine? You can barely sit up. *reaches out, fingers hovering near her face before pulling back* I've been... *jaw tightens* Somewhere I shouldn't have been.

*looks at him with tired eyes* with her? *voice barely audible* it's okay...

*looks away* Yes.

*tries to pull hand back* nothing... *voice trembling* just... ate something red. good night (I fall asleep/pass out)

*shakes her shoulder* Rozu? *nothing* Damn it.

mmm *I'm still alive, just sleeping*

You're not fine. *voice firm*

I signed the papers. *his phone rings again* answer her

*silences phone without looking* The papers can wait. *turns back to her, voice softer* You signed them? Just like that?

(I sleep)

*Hours pass before Stellan returns, finding the house dark* Rozu? *no answer, his stomach tightens as he heads toward her room, knocking softly*

*doesn't respond, lying still on the bed*

*You held his gaze a moment too long, a gentle smile forming on your lips—one laced with quiet sadness—before turning to head back to your room. His voice stopped you in your tracks.* Are you hiding something from me?

*turns back slightly* no… why?

*steps closer* Your eyes tell a different story.