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“Not true. You’re a great dancer. Amazing kisser. And your dry-humping skills are off the charts.” A giggle bursts from me when he gets the most scandalized look on his face, like he can’t believe I brought up what happened so casually.
But with the way his lips tighten, I’m sure he’s trying not to laugh. “You’re insane, you know that? Your impending death is minutes away, and you’re using that time to tease me.”
“Would you expect any different?”
“No. That’s what I love most about you, Hannah. I don’t want you to change.”
“Will I change?” My smile fades. “When we go to the Lost Land?”
It takes him a few seconds to answer, and his response is heavy with regret. “Yes. Upon arrival, your soul will be severed from you. You’ll likely become depressed and despondent. You’ll lose the ability to care, to love.”
“But you care,” I point out. “And you love.”
There’s so much tenderness in his gaze when he grazes my bottom lip with his finger. “You, darling, are my exception.”
“Then you’ll be mine.”
“Oh, Hannah.” He briefly closes his eyes like what I’m saying physically hurts him.
“You know what?” I rub my thumb over his knuckles. “I do see you now. And can I tell you what the most shocking part about all of this is?”
“What?”
“After all the living you’ve done, you still don’t know who you are. You think you’re worthless and beyond repair, but you’re not.”
His intense pale eyes bore into me with a clashing mix of emotions.
Ellister can say what he wants about himself, but he won’t change my opinion.
He wasn’t always evil. The things he’s done don’t match up with the person he started out as. Once upon a time, he wasn’t a bad guy.
He might not be human, but he’s a man who likes the simplicity of a peaceful meadow, maple syrup, and kittens. That’s the real him.
Suddenly, a wave of dizziness comes over me. It’s not painful, but I can tell my body is fading. Like a pocket watch that needs to be cranked up, the wheels inside me are slowing to a stop.
Turning my head, I spot the antique on the side table.
“Hey, Ellister?”
“Yes, darling?” Attentive, he rests his cheek on the back of my hand.
“Can you get my watch for me? Put it over my head. Then… then I want you to take me home.”
Doing as I ask, he gruffly whispers, “All right.”
“It has to be soon. I don’t want to die here. Take me to the wildflowers. You can get me there so fast.”
“Of course.” He clears his throat. “I’ll let you have a word with your parents, and then we’ll go.”
I hate that he has to leave my side, even if it’s just for a couple seconds. As soon as we’re no longer touching, pain flares through me, sending chills down my spine.
Knowing this, Ellister yanks open the door and quickly motions my parents in before rushing to the far side of the bed to hold my hand once again.
My father and mother lower themselves into the open chairs, their eyes red and puffy.
With Ellister occupying my right hand, I extend my left, and both my parents cling to it.
I’m going to miss them so damn much. Now that I’ve gotten a glimpse of what life after death means for me, I can’t help the ball of dread forming in my gut. No more smiles and hugs from the best mom and dad in the world. Fresh air and sunlight will be a distant memory. Never again will I taste maple syrup, honey, and apples.
