𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔.
Elizabeth Reid learned, at seventeen, that she was going to die. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, she's faced with a question that no one should have to answer.
How do you leave a mark on a wo...
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I'm so tired. Every part of me aches, like my body's given up the fight and is just waiting for the end. The hospital bed feels both familiar and alien - I've spent so much time here, but now it feels... final.
The beeping of the machines fades in and out as I drift between consciousness and sleep. I know what's coming. I've known for a while now, but that doesn't make it any easier. I'm scared. God, I'm so scared.
But I also know it's time.
I force my eyes open, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights. Mum's face swims into view, her eyes red and puffy. Dad's there too, trying to be strong but I can see the pain etched into every line of his face. Meri stands at the foot of the bed, holding onto Nathan's hand like it's a lifeline.
It sucks that the rest of the family is stuck in the waiting room, but I get it. Too many people would just make this harder. And it's already the hardest thing I've ever done.
"Mum," I croak out, my voice barely above a whisper. She's at my side in an instant, her warm hand enveloping mine.
"I'm here, sweetheart," she says, her voice breaking. "I'm right here."
I try to squeeze her hand, but I'm not sure if I manage it. Everything feels so heavy. "I'm sorry," I whisper.
Mum shakes her head fiercely. "No, baby. You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing."
"I didn't want to leave you like this," I say, feeling the tears start to well up. "I wanted more time. There's so much I still wanted to do."
"Oh, Beth," Mum says, and now she's crying too. "You've done so much. You've touched so many lives. We're so proud of you, sweetie. So, so proud."
I manage a weak smile. "Even though I dropped out of college?"
Mum lets out a watery laugh. "Especially because you dropped out of college. You followed your heart, Beth. You did what was right for you, and look at all the good you've done."
"I'm scared," I admit, my voice small. "I don't want to go."
She leans in, pressing her forehead to mine. "I know, baby. I know. But you're so brave, Beth. You're the bravest person I know."
We sit like that for a while, just being close. I breathe in her familiar scent - lavender and home - trying to memorize it.
"Promise me something?" I ask after a while.
"Anything," Mom says instantly.
"Don't let this break you. I need you to be okay. Eventually, at least."
Mum pulls back. "Elizabeth Reid, you listen to me. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. Being your mother has been the greatest joy of my life. And yes, this hurts. It hurts more than I can bear sometimes. But I promise you, I will keep living. For you. I will make sure your legacy continues. I will make sure the world remembers how amazing you are."
