Page 123 of Molt

A tiny laugh escapes her lips then she coughs and blood leaks from the corner of her mouth.

I wipe it away.

She looks at me then reaches up to grab my face but I take her hand into mine instead.

“I love you.” She breathes.

I shake my head.

Her brows pull together.“What?”

“Don’t say that.”

“Why?”

“Because it sounds like goodbye.”

“It is.”

“No. I don’t accept that fate for you…for us.”

“August...”

“NO.”

She starts crying.

So do I.

“I love you.”

“Stop.” I warn.

“I love you.”

“Stop.” I beg.

“I love you.”

“STOP.” I shout as her fingers tighten around mine with the last strength she has.

Then…

Her grip loosens.

“No…” I whisper as I watch her chest.

It doesn’t rise.

I stare as tears fill my eyes.

Wait.

One second. Two. Three.

Nothing.

Something inside me breaks so violently I feel it as physical pain.