𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 | 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞

Chapter 31

Millie

Finn's  mom's been asleep for three hours. He hasn't spoken a word the whole time. I'm sitting in a chair beside him. He's holding her hand, his head in his arms that are resting on her bed. Sometimes I touch him. I want him to know I'm here. I'll always be here. I alternate between rubbing his back and touching his leg and pulling back to give him space. Still I don't leave the chair. As long as he's by her side I'll be by his.

Longer even.

My heart aches for him—breaks for him and for her. For everyone because this world will be a little more lonely without her in it.

I've only known her a short amount of time and I know that.

His stomach growl, but don't ask if he wants food. I know he'll say no.

I look at Finn. Look at Mary and flash to Mom telling me goodbye. Flash to what her bones must have looked like in those woods. Alone. I'm glad Mary won't have to go alone like that.

Glad Finn and I won't be left by ourselves either.

He sits up enough to rub a hand through his curls. It's as messy as I've ever seen it. His leg bounces up and down. But he hasn't shed a tear.

For the first time, he turns and looks at me. The pain in his eyes rips through my chest and makes tears spring to my eyes. I'm not as strong as he is.

"Don't cry," he whispers. "Not yet. You didn't cry for yourself for so long. If you do it now, make it for her, not me."

I nod. He leans away from the bed enough to run a hand down the side of my face. To push my hair behind my ear.

The smile he gives me is worse than weeping. It's broken. Pained.

And just that quickly his hand is gone and his head is turned and he's leaning on the bed again. Holding her hand and watching her breathe. The breaths that I begin to count the second between.

Maggie's in and out. The hospice nurse too. Finn doesn't talk to them. They speak to me, but mostly I think they want to leave us alone with her while we wait for her to go.

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Just wanted to do a little Authors note. We officially have 5 chapters left of this book! It's a bitter sweet moment, for me because I started this a year ago, and the foundation of my success on this book is because of you readers. So thank you all. I'm working on a book. I'll let you know when the first chapter of that is up. Again, thank you all, and a PSA; y'all will be crying on the next chapters to come! ♥️

(PS. Does anyone happen to know of a person that makes really good book covers? I need one for an upcoming book I have planned!! Also should it be a Fillie or Mileven book? Let me know. 😉)