The Last Journey Home

Chapter 13: The Final Sunset

Celeste’s condition had worsened, and the time for final arrangements was drawing near.

With a heavy heart, she turned to Noah and made a request that seemed both poignant and final.

“Noah,” Celeste said weakly, her voice barely more than a whisper.

“I need you to prepare a grave for me.”

Noah’s heart ached at her words.

He nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of her request.

“I will, Cel. I’ll make sure it’s done as you wish.”

Her next request was even more difficult.

“Promise me…

promise me you won’t tell anyone about my passing. Not even my parents.

They don’t need to know.”

Noah’s face was clouded with a mixture of sadness and moral conflict.

He hesitated but ultimately gave her a reassuring nod.

“I promise. It will be our secret.”

Celeste gave him a faint, grateful smile.

With her remaining strength, she asked to be taken to a place she cherished—a hill that overlooked the countryside.

“I want to watch the sunset one last time.”

Noah gently lifted her onto his back, feeling the weight of her frail body against him.

Each step he took was laden with sorrow, knowing that this was the end of their journey together.

Celeste, despite her condition, appeared at peace, the burden of her illness seeming to lift with each step.

As they reached the top of the hill, the sky was painted in hues of orange and pink.

Celeste gazed out over the landscape, her eyes reflecting the fading light of the day.

Noah carefully set her down on a blanket he had brought, his heart heavy with the knowledge that this would be their final moment together.

Celeste closed her eyes, taking in the tranquility of the sunset.

“Thank you, Noah. For everything,” she whispered, her voice growing faintly.

“I’m ready.”

Noah held her hand tightly, feeling the last of her warmth as the sun dipped below the horizon.

As darkness enveloped the sky, Celeste took her final breath, her body growing still.

With tears streaming down his face, Noah hugged her one last time.

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, whispering his own goodbye.

“I’ll miss you, Cel.”

After a few days, Noah completed the final task of preparing Celeste’s resting place, following her wishes to the letter.

He was overcome with a profound sense of loss but remained committed to honoring her requests.

While organizing his belongings, Noah discovered an envelope tucked away in a hidden pocket of his bag.

His hands trembled as he opened it and found a letter from Celeste.

The letter was heartfelt and poignant, expressing Celeste’s gratitude and reflections.

♡♡♡

Dear Noah,

If you’re reading this, it means my journey has come to an end. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Your kindness and support have meant more to me than words can express.

I am deeply sorry for asking so much of you and for making you feel like a servant. It was never my intention to burden you, but I was so grateful to have you by my side.

Your patience and care have been a beacon of light in my final days.

Meeting you has been one of the most beautiful things to happen in my life. Through you, I’ve seen the world in a way I never could before—full of warmth, beauty, and kindness. Your presence has made my final days more meaningful and peaceful than I could have hoped.

I have struggled with accepting my own mortality, and I know I haven’t fully come to terms with it. But your support has given me the strength to face it with some semblance of grace. I wish I could have been braver, but I hope that my journey has at least brought something good to the world, even if it’s just through my letters.

Please know that I hold no regrets about having met you. If I had to leave this world, I’m grateful that I had the chance to experience it with you.

I hope you can find peace and happiness in the future, and that you continue to share your light with others.

I love you, Noah. Goodbye.

With all my heart,

Celeste

♡♡♡

Noah clutched the letter and photograph, feeling the weight of Celeste’s words and the depth of her impact on his life.

As he sat alone with his thoughts, he realized that Celeste had not only left a mark on the world but had also profoundly touched his heart.