#deathtrope

No...

I need to get out of here. Even if it's only for ten minutes. Even if it's just to sit in the hospital courtyard wrapped in three blankets while snow falls around me.

I'd take freezing over feeling trapped.

Mom has been here whenever she can manage it. Every time her phone rings, she steps into the hallway to answer another work call, apologizing before she leaves the room as if I could ever be upset with her.

I hate watching her apologize. She shouldn't have to choose between her job and me.

The truth of the matter is we don't know how much time I have left, and when I'm gone, she's still going to have a life ahead of her.

She'll still have bills to pay, meetings to attend, groceries to buy. Life doesn't stop just because someone's heart breaks.

Ever since Dad left, Mom was all I had.

I still remember standing at the front window as a little girl, waiting for his car to pull into the driveway because he'd promised he'd be home for dinner.

He never came.

At first, it was every other weekend. Then it became birthdays, then holidays, until finally, he stopped showing entirely.

Eventually, I stopped asking where he was. It hurt less that way.

For years, I convinced myself men weren't worth trusting. They left. They lied. They made promises they couldn't keep.

Then along came Harry.

I smiled to myself. Funny how one person can completely rewrite everything you thought you knew.

If someone had told me a year ago that I'd fall in love with the man who rescued me in a grocery store parking lot, I would've laughed in their face.

Now I couldn't imagine my life without him. The thought alone was enough to make my chest tighten.

Harry had slowly begun making his life revolve around me. I never wanted that. The day I was admitted, he tried taking an extended leave from work.

I practically argued with him until he agreed not to.

"You still have bills," I reminded him.

"I don't care."

"I do."

He sighed dramatically before pointing a finger at me.

"Fine but the second my shift ends, I'm coming straight here."

And he'd kept that promise every single day. He'd always smile the second he saw me. Even on the days when I knew he was exhausted.

He'd tell me about the new book he was working on, and how his editor was hounding him for the manuscript. Harry smiled as he recounted the tale of the editor using the emergency key Harry had given them just to double check that Harry was actually working.

He exaggerated every story just enough to make me laugh.

Sometimes he'd read to me, or watch old movies neither of us were paying attention to until visiting hours were up. And sometimes we'd just sit in silence.

Those were my favorite moments. People think silence means there's nothing to say, but with Harry, silence was its own conversation.

He'd hold my hand, tracing little circles across my knuckles with his thumb.

I also noticed things he thought he was hiding.

The dark circles under his eyes, the way he'd rub the back of his neck when he thought I wasn't looking.

How he'd stare out the window for a few seconds before turning back to me with that same familiar smile.

His smile still reached his mouth, but it didn't quite reach his eyes like it used to.

He thought he was protecting me, but the truth was I knew.

I knew he hadn't been getting much sleep and was stressed from the pressures of work and taking care of me.

I knew every "I'm okay" was just another way of saying, I'm trying to be.

Ithurt almost as much as the cancer. Watching the man I love wither away from me being a burden.

A soft knock sounded at the door before it slowly opened.

As if summoned by my thoughts, Harry stepped inside carrying a paper bag in one hand and two steaming cups balanced carefully in the other.

His curls were a mess as his jacket was dusted with tiny snowflakes.

His smile appeared the moment our eyes met.

"There she is," he said warmly, "the prettiest girl on the fourth floor."

I laughed quietly.

"How do you know I'm only fourth-floor pretty?" I asked, adjusting my nasal cannula.

He placed a hand against his chest, pretending to be offended.

"Fourth floor, third floor, second floor...honestly, I'd say you're the prettiest girl in the whole hospital, but I haven't checked every room yet." he teased.

"You should probably get on that."

"I'll make appointments." I give him the bird as he laughs. He set the drinks down before pulling a small container from the paper bag with a flourish.

"I come bearing gifts."

I raised a suspicious eyebrow at the paper bag.

"If that's pudding again, I'm breaking up with you." I deadpan.

"It's mashed potatoes." 

I groan, "That's even worse..."

"But they're garlic mashed potatoes!" Harry exclaimed with a small chuckle. I narrowed my eyes.

"They're still mashed."

"But they're fancy mashed." I rolled my eyes, before letting a laugh slip past my lips. The sound echoed through the room, as Harry joined in. For the first time in a while, his smile met his eyes, and I cherished being able to see it again.

Harry watched me finish another spoonful of mashed potatoes before stealing one for himself.

I gasped. "You brought those for me." He chewed thoughtfully.

"Mhm," he said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"...Harry."

"They're delicious." I narrow my eyes.

"I've changed my mind." Harry pauses midchew. He quirks a brow at me as he rest the container in his lap.

"About what?" 

"I am breaking up with you." I say with finality. He laughed so hard he nearly dropped the container.

"Oh, come on. You weren't going to finish all of them."

"I would've!" I lie, holding back a giggle of my own.

"There are, like, three bites left." he says showing me the container which truly only had a little bit left.

"They were emotional support mashed potatoes."

"Well, they're emotionally supporting me now." Harry says taking another scoop of the mashes potatoes. I rolled my eyes once more, before letting a laugh rack through me.

Harry looked at me for a moment, smiling quietly.

"What?" He shrugged.

"Nothing."

"It can't be nothing with the way you're looking at me. Is there something on my face?" I grab the napkin on the side table and begin to dab around my mouth.

"I just like seeing you smile." 

For a few seconds, neither of us spoke. The monitor beside me filled the silence with its familiar rhythm. Harry's fingers absentmindedly found mine.

A gentle knock sounded at the door. My nurse, Claire, stepped inside carrying a clipboard.

"Well," she said with a smile, "I have some good news."

Harry's head snapped toward her so quickly I thought he might give himself whiplash.

"You do?" Harry asked. I could hear the hope in his tone.

Claire smiled softly before continuing, "I spoke with Dr. Patel."

My stomach tightened. Doctors usually didn't have good news for me these days.

"He said your vitals have been stable enough this week to the point where we can take you outside."

I blinked. Harry looked just as stunned as I was. Claire nodded, our faces clearly doing the talking for us.

"You can go to the hospital courtyard, though it is a bit chilly out there. Warm blankets, hat, gloves, and wheelchair only. Fifteen minutes maximum before you have to head back inside. Got it?"

I wasn't listening anymore. Outside. I was going outside. I looked over at Harry. His eyes had already filled with tears. He rubbed at one eye before pretending nothing had happened.

"So," he cleared his throat, "I may have asked about this."

I burst into laughter.

"You already knew!" He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

"I asked this morning." Claire smiled knowingly.

"I'll come back in about twenty minutes and help get everything ready."

The door clicked shut behind her. Claire returned twenty minutes later carrying what looked like enough winter gear for an expedition.

"I've got blankets, gloves, a scarf, and one very fashionable knit hat," she announced. Harry looked at the hat and nodded approvingly.

"Oh, she's going to love that." he says with a teasing grin.

"I already don't," I muttered, eyeing the hat like it was the devil.

Claire laughed as she helped me into a thick sweater Harry had pulled from the overnight bag Mom packed. Every movement drained me more than I wanted to admit. By the time she'd eased me into the wheelchair, I was already breathing a little harder.

"You okay?" Harry asked quietly. I nodded, hiding the grimace as I adjusted in the wheelchair.

"Just tired."

"If you change your mind, we can stay-"

"No." I reached for his hand.

"I want this."

His fingers curled around mine, warm despite the winter air waiting just beyond the hospital doors.

"Then let's go."

The elevator ride felt strangely exciting. It was ridiculous. I used to ride elevators without giving them a second thought. Now each floor that ticked by made my heart beat a little faster.

When the doors slid open, a rush of cold air drifted through the lobby as someone entered from outside.

I closed my eyes.

Winter.

It smelled like snow and pine and something wonderfully alive. Harry glanced back at me.

"You smiling already?"

"Everything is so exciting, I haven't even made it outside." I reply giddily.

The automatic doors slid open with a soft whoosh. The cold kissed my cheeks immediately.

I inhaled. It felt good to have fresh air hitting my lungs, even if it was a little nippy. My eyes filled unexpectedly. Harry quietly pushed my wheelchair onto the cleared stone pathway winding through the courtyard.

Fresh snow blanketed everything. Tree branches shimmered beneath delicate layers of white. Tiny flakes drifted lazily through the gray afternoon sky. The world looked quieter.

"It's beautiful," I whispered. From my peripheral, I could see Harry's head turn towards me.

"It really is." I smiled.

He wheeled me toward a wooden bench overlooking the snow-covered garden before setting the brakes on the wheelchair. For a while, neither of us spoke.

Harry knelt in front of my wheelchair, gently adjusting the scarf that had slipped from my shoulder. His gloved fingers brushed a snowflake from the top of my knit hat.

"There."

"What?" Harry reached into his coat pocket.

"Don't move." I raised an eyebrow.

"Well, I wasn't exactly planning a marathon." I reply sarcastically. He rolled his eyes affectionately before pulling out his phone.

"Oh no."

"Oh yes."

"Harry!" I protest trying to roll away, but to no avail due to the brakes.

"I need proof you escaped."

"I look awful." He frowned, shaking his head.

"You've always been beautiful to me." I looked away, suddenly embarrassed. He lifted the phone.

"Just one, please."

I sighed before caving.

"Fine." A tiny click sounded. Harry looked down at the screen, his expression softened almost instantly.

"What?" I asked. He looked up at me.

"I think," he glanced back at the photo before meeting my eyes again, "I think this might be my favorite picture of you." I laughed softly.

"The one where I'm wearing a hospital blanket and a ridiculous hat?" I tease. He shakes his head. 

"The one where you're smiling."

He slipped his phone back into his pocket. He kneels down to be eye level with me. Harry grabs a hold of my hand, allowing his thumb to trace patterns on my knuckles.

She giggled, the sound light and delicate, making his chest ache in the best way. It was moments like this that made everything feel normal, like they were just any other couple teasing each other on a lazy morning. But reality was always waiting just beneath the surface, ready to seep in like the cold wind outside.

"I could kill for a steak right about now." Evelyn groaned. Harry shook his head as he watched Evelyn eat her pudding.

"You can only eat soft foods right now, babe." Evelyn squinted at Harry as she scooped another spoonful of vanilla pudding in her mouth.

"You're no help. I can smell your momma's good eats in your breathe." Harry smiled fondly as he placed a hand on her thigh.

"And I can smell a kiss coming." Evelyn shook her head viciously as she shoved another spoonful of pudding into her mouth.

Harry shakes his head with a smile. He waits patiently, admiring how beautiful Evelyn is.

A soft knock interrupted them. The door creaked open, revealing Evelyn's mother, Rebecca. She stepped in hesitantly, clutching her purse like a lifeline.

"Mom?" Evelyn's voice was lined with surprise.

"Hey, sweetheart." Rebecca smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Harry stood up, giving her a polite nod. "Mrs. West."

Rebecca waved a hand dismissively. "Please, just Rebecca." She turned her gaze back to Evelyn. "I'm so sorry I couldn't get here sooner. Work has been overwhelming, and then there were flight delays..." Her voice trailed off, guilt flickering across her features.

Evelyn forced a small smile. "It's okay, Mom. You're here now."

Rebecca exhaled and walked closer, brushing a strand of hair from Evelyn's face. "I should've been here the moment I heard." Her eyes flickered to Harry, her expression softening. "But I know you haven't been alone."

Harry cleared his throat. "Of course not. I wouldn't leave her."

Rebecca reached out, squeezing Harry's arm gently. "I know. And I can't tell you how much that means to me. You've been taking such good care of her, Harry. More than I could have asked for."

Harry swallowed, nodding. "She's everything to me. I'd do anything for her."

Rebecca's eyes misted over. "I see that." She pulled back, blinking quickly. "I just wanted to say thank you. I know this hasn't been easy on you either."

Harry shook his head. "I don't need thanks, Rebecca. I just need her to be okay."

Silence settled between them, heavy but understanding.

Evelyn's eyes shifted to the window, watching the snowfall, but her mind drifted back—back to that night on the ice.

The paramedics arrived quickly, gliding across the ice with a practiced urgency. Harry barely registered their voices as they asked him questions, his focus entirely on Evelyn's still form in his arms.

"Sir, did she say anything before she collapsed?" one of them asked, checking her pulse.

"She was skating fine, then she started moving faster," Harry's voice was hoarse, his throat tight. "I told her to slow down, but she didn't hear me. And then she just... dropped."

Another paramedic examined her pupils while his colleague radioed for a stretcher. "Her pulse is weak. We need to move her now."

Harry felt his chest constrict as they carefully lifted her onto the stretcher. He held onto her hand, unwilling to let go even as they wheeled her toward the ambulance.

"Sir, you can ride with us or follow in your own car," one of them said, pausing briefly to look at him.

Harry's answer was immediate. "I'm coming with her."

He climbed into the ambulance, never loosening his grip on her hand. The ride to the hospital was a blur of flashing lights and the steady beeping of machines. He pressed his forehead against hers, whispering, "Nous ne sommes pas encore à court de temps, mon amour."

We're not out of time yet, my love.

Evelyn blinked, shaking the memory away. She turned back to her mother and Harry, taking in the way they stood together, both of them worried about her in their own ways.

She reached out, taking both their hands in hers. "I'm really lucky, you know? To have both of you."

Rebecca squeezed her fingers. "And we're lucky to have you."

Harry smiled softly, kissing the back of her hand. "Always."

There was an awkward silence before her mother cleared her throat and turned to Harry. "I hear I have you to thank for taking care of my daughter."

Harry sat up straighter. "I just—" He hesitated before shaking his head. "I just want to be here for her."

Her mother's expression softened. "She talks about you all the time, you know. I knew you were special to her, but I didn't realize how much until now." She paused, glancing at Evelyn before looking back at Harry. "Thank you. For loving her the way you do."

Harry swallowed hard, his fingers curling slightly against the sheets. "She's everything to me."

Her mother gave him a small, sad smile. "I can see that."

Evelyn watched the exchange quietly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. The room felt heavier now, reality pressing down on them once more.

Her mother reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm here now, sweetheart."

"You wanna go?" he asked. Evelyn scoffed.

"Do I wanna go? That's like asking a child if they want candy. Of course I wanna go!" Harry laughed at her silliness. "Alright then it's settled. We'll go ice-skating when it opens." Harry said. Evelyn squealed with joy.

As Harry pulled up to a red light, Evelyn leaned over the center console and peppered his face with kisses. Harry could do nothing but smile as his cheeks burned crimson red. He lightly pushed her back in her seat as the light turned green. They were both grinning from ear-to-ear, excited for the day to come.

And a promise is a promise, which is how they found themselves now stood upon the sleek ice. Harry was quite skilled when it came to the art of skating. Evelyn on the other hand...not so much. Harry had gone skating before when he was younger. His sister Gemma would take him as a pastime when they needed a break from their parents and had taught him how to skate. He had done his fair share of falling and learning how to balance back then and was now ready to take on a student of his own.

"I'm right here, love. I'm not going to let you fall-" Before Harry could finish his sentence, Evelyn fell on the ice with a loud THUD! Evelyn slowly glanced up at Harry. Harry tucked his lips in his mouth and watched her, attempting to stifle his laughter at the ironic timing.

"Um...okay. So, I'm not going to let you fall starting now," he said with a big grin on his face. Harry helped Evelyn stand to her feet while she flailed around like an inflating balloon.

Once she was steady, Harry placed his arm around her waist and held her hand. "See this is why we should have gotten one of those skate walkers," Evelyn said with a huff.

Harry chuckled softly as they made their way across the ice. "You're doing fine, love. Honestly, you've fallen less times than I did when I first go on the ice."

Evelyn rolled her eyes, "Well the day isn't over yet." They continued to glide together.

As time went on and the couple took many much needed breaks, Evelyn seemingly began to grasp a hold of skating, Harry slowly began to let go of her.

"Wait, wait, what are you doing?" Evelyn said with a start. She could feel Harry's hands leaving her waist and it frightened her.

"Don't worry, baby. You got this," he whispered as he slowed his pace to watch her. Evelyn slowly glided across the ice as Harry stood back and watched her.

Her arms were stuck out by her side as she tried to maintain her balance. Harry smiled at his girl. He could see the confidence building with each step she took. Harry followed not too far behind her, in case she was in need of saving.

"Look at you!" he exclaimed. Evelyn was grinned from ear-to-ear as she began to pick up her pace. She felt light on her feet as she moved across the ice.

"Take it easy, love," Harry warned. He remembered when he, too, started taking pride in his progress and how quickly the ice humbled him.

However, Evelyn didn't listen. The rush of adrenaline had already overcome her senses. She heard a ringing in her ear as the world began to spin around her, but her speed didn't slow down.

Harry, too, picked up his pace to follow right behind her. 

"Evie, slow down. Eve...Eve!" Harry yelled. It all happened so fast. Harry slid just in time to catch Evelyn from her fall. Her head fell back limp as Harry knelt down on the ground.

"Evie?"

No answer.

"Evelyn?"

Still no response. Harry placed his hand at the base of her neck and lifted her head up. A small trickle of blood oozed out from her nose. Panic began to set in.

"No, no, no. Evelyn, hey. Wake up." Harry said, lightly shaking her. He checked her pulse which droned on ever so slowly. He then felt her face. It was almost as cold as the ice beneath them. She needed to be warmed up. Harry quickly stripped himself of his jacket and wrapped it around Evelyn as other skaters took notice of the scene.

"C'mon, Evelyn, stay with me," he whispered as he swaddled her in his jacket. Tears brimmed his eyes as all sorts of emotions started to hit him. He couldn't lose her, not yet, not right now. He wasn't ready. She wasn't ready. They had more time. They needed more time.

Harry knew their time was coming to a close, but he prayed it wasn't this moment right here on the ice.

"Somebody help please! Call 911!" Harry yelled. 

"Please! I need help! My- my-" He choked on his words as he kept pleading for help. Soon enough, the ice rink's paramedics came in and asked everyone to leave the ice.

"What happened, sir?"

"I don't- I don't know. One minute she was fine then she suddenly went limp." Harry said, his voice wavering ever so slightly. Harry's heart was beating out of control. He tried to steady his breathing, but to no avail. 

One of the paramedics grabbed a hold of Harry's shoulder. They could tell he was on the verge of a panic attack. "Sir, take a moment and breathe with me. The other paramedics will help her, but we can't have you passing out on us as well."

"Let's do box breathing. Ready?" Harry nodded as he breathed in slowly. He willed himself to follow the paramedics hand and not dare look at Evelyn as fear might set in again.

"Good. Very good," they said with a smile. The paramedic crawled back over to the other paramedics and helped them assess the situation.

One of the paramedics shot up and ran to grab a stretcher.

"What's happening?" Harry asked as he rejoined the paramedics.

"We are not sure yet. It's hard to tell without proper equipment. The excitement of skating may have gotten to her. We are submitting her to the hospital, seeing as she is not waking and her pulse is somewhat weak. Would you like to follow the vehicle or ride in the ambulance?"

"I'll ride with," Harry said without a second thought. He refused to leave Evelyn's side even if it was for a moment. Not when she seemed to be on the verge of leaving him.

He would run over a squirrel before he ever let that happen.

The paramedics quickly strapped Evelyn on to the stretcher and wheeled her outside. Harry following not too far behind.

Harry grabbed a hold of Evelyn's hand as they rode in the ambulance. He placed a kiss to the back of her hand. It was still so cold. He rubbed their hands together as a means to warm her up.

Harry's eyes never once left Evelyn's face. He refused to believe this was the end for them. An ice skating date gone wrong. He hadn't even gotten his chance to say goodbye, then again not many people do, but he was hoping God would at least give him this chance.

"Come back to me, Eve. Let me see you one more time." He placed another kiss to the back of her hand. 

The paramedic watched on sadly. He could tell the girl was weak and needed to rest, but he kept his words to himself.

Harry leaned his forehead against Evelyn's as a means to comfort himself and hopefully bring her back to him.

"I'm right here, Evie," Harry whispered, "Nous ne sommes pas encore à court de temps, mon amour."

"Oh stop." Evelyn said, swatting Mari's hands away. They sat down on the couch and did their best to catch each other up on what was going on in each other's lives.

Mari and Evelyn used to be the best of friends. Their mothers were best friends so it was only right for them to become best friends as well. They were practically joined at the hip everyday. They rode the bus together. Did their homework together. They even got in trouble together.

Mari and Evelyn were an unstoppable duo. That was until Mari's dad had to relocate to Australia for work. At age 14, Mari and her family had to pack up and head to Australia together, leaving the poor girls devastated.

They managed to keep in touch, but things were never quite the same. Mari and Evelyn used to take turns each year visiting each other. Once they were well into their teenage years though, the visits faded out. It wasn't until Mari got news that Evelyn was sick did she start visiting again.

"So...are you seeing anyone?" Mari asked wiggling her eyebrows. Evelyn scoffed, rolling her eyes and took a sip of her homemade pumpkin spice coffee.

"As if. Who would want to be with a woman basically on her deathbed?" Mari smacked Evelyn.

"None of that kind of talk. I don't want to hear it. You know words are powerful. I'm sure there are plenty of guys flocking and throwing themselves at you and you're probably just turning them down with your negative mentality." Mari said. Evelyn rolled her eyes once again, taking another sip.

"You're wrong. There are no-" Evelyn's speech was cut short by her phone buzzing. Both her and Mari's eyes snapped to the phone buzzing on the table. On the screen flashed the name Evelyn had been trying to forget.

Mari slowly turned her back to Evelyn with a smug smile on her face. Evelyn kept her eyes casted down as she felt Mari's gaze fall on her.

"No guys, huh? So who's Harry? Last I checked you don't just put a heart next to any random guy's name. You don't even have a heart next to my name!" Mari said in disbelief.

"Actually I do have a heart by your name."

"Yeah? Show me." Mari said smugly. She knew pretty well Evelyn did in fact not have a heart by her name.

"I have a heart by your name in here." Evelyn said patting her chest. Mari and Evelyn burst out laughing.

"Whatever. Don't try and avoid the question. Who's Harry?" Mari was not letting Evelyn get away that easy. Mari had never seen Evelyn give herself the chance to be loved by someone, so for her to see a guy's name with a heart next to it meant a lot to her.

"He's just a friend." Evelyn mumbled.

"Just a friend? Come on, Eve, I know you better than that. You put a heart by his name!"

"Alright! Alright," Evelyn paused to put her cup down on the table, "he is a friend who is, perhaps, interested in being a bit more than friends." 

"Sooooo?" Mari asked expectantly.

"So...nothing happened. He asked me to be his girlfriend a couple months ago, and I said no."

"Oh." was all Mari could say.

"Yeah." Evelyn said with a sigh.

"Why'd you turn him down?" Mari asked. Evelyn thought about her answer. She knew exactly why she turned him down, but she didn't exactly want to let Mari know about her insecurities.

"Because he doesn't deserve that. He deserves someone who he'll be able to be with for the long run and have children with and perhaps buy a house that's far too big with a white Pickett fence around it. He deserves to get his dream and I can't give him that. I'm nothing more than a sick woman getting worse and worse every day until her demise. He wouldn't be happy with me and I want him to be happy." Evelyn said.

Mari nodded her head solemnly. She placed a reassuring hand on Evelyn's knee, rubbing circles.

"I know you could probably care less about what I have to say with how stubborn you are, but take it with a grain of salt. Don't you think he already knows all of this and is still willing to take the chance? I mean, he's braver than most men, but doesn't that go to show how much he loves you? How much he cares about you?"

"I'm not sure if he loves me in that way. It could very well just be an infatuation with something you know isn't going to last. It's like how some men like to chase things they know they can't have." Evelyn said with a snort. Mari nodded in acknowledgment.

"Well then let me ask you this. How do you feel about him? I know you said you want him to be happy, but do you love him?"

Before Evelyn could answer Mari's question, there was a rap at the door. Evelyn's brows furrowed as she wasn't expecting anyone.

"I'll get it." Mari said leaving her spot on the couch. She glanced through the peephole to see a man with curls up to his shoulder standing at the door impatiently. The man was gorgeous to say the least. 

Mari took a step back to open the door. There stood Harry in all his glory. His head snapped in the direction of the door opening to see a woman that wasn't Evelyn.

"Can I help you?" Mari asked. Harry furrowed his brows, but smiled nonetheless.

"Hello, I'm Harry. Is Evelyn here?" he asked. 

From the couch, Evelyn shouted, "Who's at the door?" A wave of relief washed over Harry as he heard the familiar voice. Mari glanced back at Evelyn to see she had emeresed herself back into her show.

Mari placed a finger on her lips in a shush motion and quietly ushered Harry in. Harry stepped in taking off his shoes. The thumping of his shoes hitting the ground caught Evelyn's attention. 

She turned around from her place on the couch and released an audible gasp. Mari stood behind Harry with an evil grin on her face.

"Hello, Evie." Harry said with a small smile. Inside Harry was somewhat angry with his girl for not answering his texts or calls. The only saving grace he had to know she was safe were her poetic story posts on Instagram.

But Harry was also relieved to see she was okay. He could immediately tell she had gotten thinner, but nonetheless she looked beautiful in his eyes.

Harry walked over to the couch tentatively. Evelyn's eyes followed him as he came closer.

"May I?" he asked pointing to the spot next to her on the couch. Evelyn nodded her head while making a mental note to kill Mari later for letting him in.

"Oh my! Would you look at the time. I've got to get going, yeah? I've gotta feed my cats and do some of Tony's laundry. You kids have fun. But not too much fun, yeah?" Mari said slipping her coat and shoes on.

Evelyn was sending Mari daggers with her eyes while Harry sat there amused.

"No clearing any cobwebs." Mari said with a wink. Evelyn picked up the pillow nearest to her and chucked it at Mari just as she was closing the door.

Harry let out a small chuckle at their antics. They both turned back around and focused on the TV show in front of them.

The atmosphere was tense. Evelyn could tell Harry wanted to say something, but was holding back for her to make the first move.

After sitting there in silence for another minute, Evelyn grabbed the remote and put the show on mute. She turned her body to face him.

She let out a sigh before asking, "Why are you here, Harry?"

Harry cocked his eyebrow as he turned to face Evelyn.

"Why am I here?" he asked rhetorically. Evelyn nodded waiting for him to proceed.

"I'm here because I wanted to talk to you." he said.

"Why?"

"Because you ghosted me and I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Why?" Evelyn asked again.

"Because I asked you an important question two months ago and you randomly vanished." Evelyn couldn't hold Harry's gaze. She casted her eyes to ground out of embarrassment.

A moment went by before Harry spoke up again.

"Did I do something wrong?" Evelyn shook her head no.

"Not particularly."

"Then what is it?" he asked. Harry was beginning to get impatient. He had been waiting for a response for two months. He thought maybe Evelyn needed time to think about an answer for his question. But when she suddenly stopped returning his text and calls, he knew something was up.

He didn't want to show up to her house uninvited. He never really planned to. He just happened to be in the area and his feet led him to her front door.

Evelyn mumbled something Harry couldn't quite hear.

"I'm sorry?"

She mumbled again. Harry subconsciously leaned closer to hear her better.

"I'm sorry, love. You're going to need to speak up." Harry's eyes never left Evelyn. They were like a hawk watching their prey. He'd never seen Evelyn seem so small before. He wondered if maybe he had done this.

"It was because of your question." Evelyn said clearly. She finally let her gaze trail back up to Harry's.

Harry's face contorted in bewilderment.

"You stopped talking to me for two months, because I asked you to be my girlfriend?" Harry asked incredulously.

Evelyn sighed. She was speechless. She had no other excuse for her actions except for fear. The fear of losing him.

"Yes." was all she could say.

"Why? I thought we were finally getting somewhere in our relationship?" Confusion was written all over Harry's face. He didn't understand where he went wrong or what he may have misunderstood.

"Our relationship is only going to end in heartbreak, Harry. You know that." Evelyn said holding back the tears welling in her eyes.

"Loving you is a losing game that I am not prepared to play."

"Then don't. Don't play with me, Evelyn, because I'm not playing with you," Harry pauses to take a deep breath before continuing, "I love you."

A neutral silence falls over them as Evelyn lets Harry's words sink in. As Evelyn thinks, Harry continues to speak, "I have loved you for a while now, and trust me, I wanted to respect your wishes. I wanted to keep everything platonic between us, but I can't deny my feelings for you."

"I was reading a poem by Courtney Peppernell the other day. It said 'one day someone walks into your life, a total stranger, and they become so important to you. And while you've known them such a short time, you feel you have loved them for a lifetime' and that is the exact way I feel about you, Evie. I felt that way back then meeting you in that car park and getting to know you and how amazing you are, and I feel that way about you now even after you ghosted me. And believe it or not I'm going to feel that way about you forever."

Evelyn's face flushed at his confession.

No one had ever said such sweet things to her. She almost let herself enjoy the moment before remembering her impending doom.

"But Harry-"

"And I know you're going to try to detour me with the whole 'Harry, I'm dying' thing as if I don't already know that," Harry cradles Evelyn's face in his hands, "but I'm going to love you through this. Even if you don't feel the same way about me. I'm going to love you. I already do. And there's nothing you can do to try to stop me from it."

Tears begin to well up in Evelyn's eyes as a smile appears on her face. Harry's thumbs wipe the tears away as they fall.

Evelyn moves closer to Harry to hug him. Oh how she had missed his warmth. His sweet smell suffocating and intoxicating her at the same time. She let herself fall apart in his arms as she always had before and Harry soaked up every minute of it. He sat holding her one arm wrapped around her back and the other holding her head to his chest.

After a moment of simply existing with each other, Evelyn sat up. She placed her hands on Harry's thighs as a means to stabilize herself. Her eyes flickered back and forth between Harry's eyes.

Harry watched her intently with a soft smile on his face. He used his thumb to wipe more of her tears away and fix the beanie atop her head. Evelyn let out a small laugh at how pathetic she must look.

She was the one to ghost him and yet he's here comforting her. How ironic.

"We're going to be okay, Evie. I promise." Harry said reassuringly. He held the side of Evelyn's face and brought their foreheads together. She smiled nodding against him. They both closed their eyes and relaxed into each other's comfort.

"I love you." Evelyn said. Harry's eyes snapped open at this. He moved his head back as he grabbed Evelyn's chin with his two fingers to make her meet his gaze.

"You what?" Harry asked. He wanted to make sure he hadn't misheard. 

Evelyn giggled before repeating herself, "I love you." Harry felt tears of his own well up in his eyes.

"So does that mean..." Evelyn nodded her head 'yes' before Harry could even finish his sentence.

A wide grin spread across Harry's face as he slowly leaned in. His eyes went back and forth between Evelyn's eyes and her lips.

He waited patiently for Evelyn to give him the go ahead before he could kiss his girl.

Evelyn nodded her head as she leaned in as well and their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

The new couple felt nothing but butterflies and fireworks in their chest as they finally let themselves feel what they have always felt...

It's been three months since Harry and I first met on that fateful September day. I avoided him and his vow to take me on a date as if it were the plague. I responded to his text messages and held conversation when necessary, but whenever he brought up the topic of going out, I would suddenly vanish.

Once a month had gone by and I saw he was still very persistent to take me on a date, I finally caved and said yes. I made sure to make it clear to him that it was just to commemorate our friendship just like he had said in the parking lot. I told him that I wasn't looking for anything romantic because they usually never ended well for me.

"You never know...things could end differently with me." Harry said shooting me a wink before proceeding to take a sip of his wine.

I remember blushing profusely and immediately changed the subject.

We got to learn a good bit about each other that night. I learned that he's a 29-year-old author with three highly acclaimed books—two of which I've read.

When he asked me what I thought of his books, I tried my best to downplay how in love with them I was, but I failed miserably. A slight rosy tint covered his cheeks as I complimented how well-written everything was from the characters to the scenery down to the death of the main character's dog. Everything about his books were beautiful.

"Thank you, thank you. Now enough about me, what about you? What do you do for a living?" he asked.

"Well, my name is Evelyn West. I am 22 years old, and I am an artist. I post some of my work on Instagram and TikTok. They get a decent number of views and likes. Sometimes with the weird algorithm they've got a random video of mine will blow-up and I get a lot of notice, but other than that I would say I'm just a small creator."

Harry nodded along to everything I said.

"I would love to see some of your work, Evelyn." he said with a small smile.

From there, I showed him some of my art and little videos showing how I created them. We went back and forth asking each other questions and sharing some slightly embarrassing moments we've had in our lives.

Fast forward to three months later and Harry and I's relationship is flourishing beautifully.

"Where are you going again?" Harry asks stopping in the doorway of my bedroom.

"I have a follow-up appointment with my oncologist today and I'm about to be late for it because of you." He rolled his eyes as he plopped on my bed.

"Can I come with you?" I pause for a moment.

"No, you cannot." I said proceeding to find some clothes to wear. I already have a hard time letting Harry see me as I am right now, I don't need him to be there when the doctor tells me I am only going to get worse.

"Why not?" he asks rolling over to face me.

"Because it would be weird if you came."

"How so?"

"It just would be." I say beginning to get annoyed.

"But why?" he asks teasingly. Harry knew he was working my nerves. I picked my bra up and chucked it at him. He lets out a deep laugh as he picks up my bra and places it over his eyes.

"Oh wow! This is a great sleeping mask!" I let out an exasperated gasp. I quickly ran over to the bed and pounced on him.

Harry laughed as I continued my assault. He grabbed my waist to steady me on his lap. Harry then flipped me over.

I giggled as his fingers tickled my sides. I writhe under him trying to get out. Harry grabs a hold of my wrists in one hand as the other continues to tickle me.

I can hear Harry's breathy laugh above me as the pace of his fingers begin to slow down.

I slowly stop moving, trying to calm myself down. Our eyes connect and it's not lost on me what position we are in. We stay there for a moment just taking each other in. I don't miss how Harry's eyes bounce back and forth between my eyes and my lips.

I clear my throat feeling my cheeks get hot as time passes by. I glance over at the clock on my nightstand to help calm myself down.

The time read 3:15 PM. I gasped and pushed Harry off me. My appointment is at 3:30 and I had gotten distracted.

"Crap, Harry. I'm going to be so late." I said as I began to strip, completely disregarding Harry still being in the room.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Harry look over at me, but immediately look away.

By the time I had finished getting dressed it was already 3:23. I grabbed my purse and keys and made my way to the door.

I felt a hand clasp my wrist. I locked eyes with Harry. He had a look of plea on his face, and I immediately knew what he was about to ask.

Too concerned about running late, I caved in and let Harry come to the appointment with me.

"Dr. Ansley will see you shortly." the nurse said, placing my file in the black pocket on the wall.

"Thank you." I said with a smile. As the nurse shut the door, my eyes immediately went over to Harry. I watched as his eyes took in the oncologist's office. His eyes scanned the room like they had never seen a doctor's office before.

Granted the oncologist's office looked a little fancier, I admired his fascination.

Cute. I thought to myself. Suddenly, Harry looked over at me. I began blushing profusely for being caught staring.

The door opened and in walked Dr. Ansley.

"Good afternoon, Ms. West. How are you today?" she asked while walking over to her desk.

"I'm doing alright, thank you."

"Good. Good. Any discomfort?" I shake my head 'no' as my leg begins to bounce. Once the appointment has officially begun, we go through the usual procedure. She asks me how I am, if I am feeling anxious, and if I have any concerns regarding my treatments or what is to come in the future.

Next, I have to have some blood drawn. Dr. Ansley shows me to the bloodwork section and tells me to wait there. Harry follows along quietly. He seems deep in thought, but also very attentive to every little detail Dr. Ansley says. After my blood is drawn, I am sent back to Dr. Ansley's office.

"Alright, Ms. West. The moment we've both been dreading." I sigh, sadness overtaking me as I know what we have to discuss next.

"Would you like your boyfriend to step out?" Getting ready to protest Harry being my boyfriend, I turn to see his eyes are already on me. I give him a small smile before telling Dr. Ansley she can continue.

Dr. Ansley begins by explaining the same old, heart-wrenching information that I already know. I guess she does it more for Harry's sake than my own.

"With that being said...since your breast cancer is no longer in the early stages of stage four, you may have chemotherapy sessions once every two to four weeks and then have a break. You'll need about eight cycles of chemo, before we can take our next steps. Though stage four breast cancer is not curable, we can try our best to prolong your lifespan."

I nod my head in understanding, willing back the tears that dare to fall from my eyes. I don't want to die. From my peripheral vision, I see Harry glance over at me. He places a reassuring hand on my knee and begins to rub soothing patterns. I look over and give him a weak smile as he gives me one in return. I let my eyes trail down to Harry's hand and place my hand over his.

"How long," Harry pauses to clear his throat before he continues to speak, "How long does she have?" Dr. Ansley gives Harry a sympathetic smile.

"Evelyn has anywhere between one to three years to live." A cold shiver runs down my spine. I'd never asked the doctors how long they think I'd have. I figured it would be better not to know so I wouldn't live everyday with the constant anxiety about what's to come.

"I know this can be a hard pill to swallow, especially with you guys being so young, but there are resources available to help you guys through this. We offer therapy to help you guys talk out how you're feeling through this trivial time, especially you, Evelyn. We highly encourage you out of everyone to speak. Without a doubt from the outside, we know it's difficult, however, you are the only one who is really dealing with it on the inside. You are the one that knows what is running rampage in your mind. So we highly encourage you to please visit one of our therapists. I'm more than happy to recommend you to one of my choosing." Dr. Ansley says.

She gives us a second to let the news sink in by excusing herself from the room. She tells us that once we are finished, we can check out and try to enjoy the rest of our day.

Harry and I sit in silence. It's so quiet we can hear the ticking of the clock and the rustling of the leaves outside. Harry doesn't move to say anything and neither do I. As time passes by, the silence begins to eat away at me. Harry's hand still rests on my thigh as I feel my head getting heavy and my eyelashes begin to flutter close. I lean my head on Harry's shoulder. I keep my eyes closed as he shifts in his seat. I can feel his eyes watching me. I can almost picture the curious look on his face.

"Come on, Evie. Let's get you home." Harry says softly. I shake my head 'no' and continue to snuggle up to him.

"I'm sure you would be more comfortable in your bed at home." he says shrugging his shoulder ever so slightly. I grunt in protest as a means to tell him to stop.

"I just wanna stay here like this. You're so comfortable and warm." I murmur. I hadn't notice how cold Dr. Ansley's office was until now. I still feel his eyes on me. Harry lets out a breathy laugh.

"In the doctor's office? Really?" he asks. I nod. A few minutes pass before Harry speaks up again.

"Tell you what. We get up now and start heading home, I'll give you all the cuddles in the world." he says. I can hear the grin in his voice.

"Promise?" I ask.

"I promise." Harry says. He begins to rub soothing circles onto my thigh again and places a chaste kiss to my head. I sigh in contentment before standing up and putting my jacket on.