Page 151 of What Should Have Been Ours

Laugh. Travel. Chase the dreams we talked about. Let yourself love again when you’re ready. And when the weight of missing me feels unbearable, look for me in the little things—the warmth of the sun on your skin, the whisper of the wind, the songs we loved, the night sky we always stared at together for far too long.

And when your time comes (a lifetime from now), I’ll be right where I promised, waiting for you.

Until then, keep going, Gabrielle. For me. For yourself.

I love you. I have always loved you. I will always love you.

Yours, always,

Cam

Tears blur the ink in front of me as I clutch the letter to my chest.

It’s him and all his love wrapped into each and every word.

I press my shaky fingers to my lips, squeezing my eyes shut. Kinsley moves beside me, locking her hand with mine, squeezing softly in silent support.

A watery laugh escapes me. “He was too good for this world, Kins.”

I tilt my head back, whispering to the ceiling. “I will always love you, too, Cam.”

I pull out the next item, and my breathing stops.

It’s a framed napkin.

And not just any napkin.

It’s our napkin.

And he’s added to it—

Sick Kid Club Rules.

1. No crying unless absolutely necessary.

(Exceptions: If you get stuck with a really big needle. If your favorite nurse goes on vacation. Or if the cafeteria runs out of chocolate pudding and we’re stuck with vanilla.)

It’s okay to cry, Gabrielle. You can break this rule whenever you need and as often as you need.

2. Complaining about hospital food is mandatory.

(If you eat the mystery meat without complaining, you will be investigated for suspicious behavior.)

Just maybe try to stay out of the hospital, okay? And you won’t have to deal with this one.

3. If one of us gets rich or famous, the other gets half the money.

(Doesn’t matter how. Could be sports, singing, or a dramatic escape from this place that gets turned into a movie.)

I’m sorry I didn’t get rich and famous, so I guess you’ll have to now.

4. IV pole races are a sacred tradition.

(Winner gets bragging rights. Loser has to steal an extra pudding cup for the champion.)

Honestly, if you could pull this off with Wes at the hospital, I’d be pretty impressed and smiling down on you.

5. Nurses are only allowed if they bring snacks or spill hospital drama.