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xxxi. You Saved Him
JULIETTE NEVER CAME up with any speeches to tell her family. She didn't really want to think about the fact that she was dying. In her eyes, she was just sick. Sick and tired.
Everybody knows Juliette likes to be in denial.
So, sitting in the hospital room with her mother and sister was difficult. Her head was propped against a pillow, hair tucked behind her ears while the rest of her hair was bunched up in a low bun.
Classy, right?
Carly had obviously been crying, while Astoria tried to take deep breaths. Seeing your own daughter on her deathbed was definitely difficult. Astoria has to be strong. For Carly, for Juliette.
"I know it was the wrong decision," Juliette whispered. "I— I don't regret it, though." She admitted, voice shaking while she spoke.
"Jules, why?" Astoria asked.
Juliette looked down at her shaking hands. "I'm so sorry, mama." Juliette apologized profusely, trying her hardest not to break down in tears. "I couldn't do the treatment anymore. It was destroying me." Juliette said, shaking her tears away.
She paused.
"The thing is.. I felt so much more alive these past few weeks. I was with the people I love most." Juliette whispered. "I get to die with the people I love most," Juliette cracked a weak smile.
Carly hid her face from her older sister as she sobbed into her sleeve. Astoria had to look down at her hands to avoid crying like a baby.
Juliette let out a silent cry. "I'm so glad this is ending the way I want it to. I get to die happy."
Her eyes squeezed shut. "I love you, guys. I'm.. so tired, though. I shouldn't have given up." Juliette whispered. "I, I just couldn't do it, guys."
"Juliette, honey," Astoria reached for Juliette's hands. "You're so strong, baby."
"I'm weak, Mom." Juliette argued. "I just gave up on all of you. The look in Jack's eyes when I told him—" Juliette covered her mouth with her hand that were free from Astoria's grasp. "I shouldn't have been so selfish."
Carly shook her head. "You aren't selfish, Julie."
Juliette pathetically let out a sob. "I'm so sorry."
