Chapter 3

Clutching my down jacket, I dragged the still-fuming Abby and stumbled out of the store.

"Eleanor! Why did you stop me just now? Why wouldn't you let me speak up?" Abby demanded, her voice sharp with frustration.

"Why didn't you tell Brody? If you hadn't risked yourself to save him, you wouldn't be stuck with all these health issues that just won't go away," she went on.

"And Evie! She's always messing with you. If it weren't for her, would your body be in such a mess? Do you even realize how much blood you've coughed up?" Abby pressed, her concern mixed with exasperation.

I grabbed Abby, who was still fuming, and just shook my head slowly.

"Abby, let it go," I said softly.

My voice was barely more than a sigh.

"They've always been a couple. My showing up... was just a fluke," I murmured.

"Honestly, I should thank him. He could've just ignored me, but he still stuck to his word... even if it was half-hearted," I added, resignation coloring my tone.

"Gratitude for saving my life is one thing, but you can't expect him to repay it with love," I said quietly.

Abby planted her hands on her hips, her face twisted with both anger and concern.

"You've had it tough growing up. Someone tosses you a bit of kindness, and you hand over your whole heart. Honestly, you're just too gullible..." she said.

I let out a bitter laugh. She wasn't wrong.

I remembered that day. I saw Evie spiking Brody's drink.

I pretended to bump into her, and the glass broke, accidentally cutting her hand.

Brody pushed me away, his eyes full of resentment.

"I warned you. Don't you ever hurt Evie!" he snapped.

I froze, wanting to explain, but he didn't give me a chance.

Later, I still tried to drop a hint, careful not to push too hard.

"Brody, don't you ever think Miss Keith might not be as innocent as she seems..." I started, my voice trailing off.

Before I could finish, he shot me a sharp, piercing look.

"Eleanor, don't play these games trying to come between us. I can't stand that," Brody said, his voice cold.

He towered over me, looking down with that superior air, his words leaving no room for argument.

"Whatever goes on between Evie and me isn't for anyone else to judge. Even if she's in the wrong, she's the one I picked. We're made for each other, and I'll take her as she is, flaws and all," he declared, not backing down for a second.

With that, what was left for me to say?

Wasn't I just like a moth rushing straight into the fire? I knew Brody and I were never meant to be, but I still couldn't stop clinging to him, no matter how hopeless it was.

This was the first time in my life I'd ever liked someone, and it was the only time, too.

Too bad I was just a firefly stuck in the mud, struggling to shine even a little. My light wasn't enough to brighten my own path, let alone chase after his faraway, unreachable stars.

I was supposed to leave for the Frostholm tomorrow, but the doctor's update left me torn.

Should I focus on getting treatment first, or just go to the Frostholm as planned?

"Brody, could we... maybe push back our trip to the Frostholm by a week?" I asked, my voice uncertain.

There was a brief silence on the other end before his voice turned cold.

"Push it back? Eleanor, are you changing your mind at the last minute? Are you trying to set new terms, or are you cooking up another 'surprise' for me?" he asked, his tone sharp with suspicion.

His doubt hit me like a bucket of ice water, instantly snuffing out the last bit of hesitation in my heart.

Forget it.

I closed my eyes for a moment, then forced a lightness into my voice when I spoke again.

"No, I was just kidding. The trip's still on, no problem," I said.

Before he could say anything else, I hung up in a hurry.

I called the doctor again.

"Doctor, about that targeted medication you mentioned... I'm really sorry, but I might not be able to come in for another two weeks," I said.

"Two weeks? Eleanor, that's way too risky! You need to act fast. Every minute matters with your condition! The sooner you start the meds, the better your chances. You can't even afford to wait a week, let alone two!" the doctor burst out, his tone urgent and confused.

The doctor's voice was both anxious and baffled.

I gave a gentle smile, my tone calm.

"Don't worry about it, doctor. Honestly, how long I live doesn't really matter to me anymore. Whether it's another month or another year... doesn't make much difference to me," I said, my voice steady.

My voice was soft, but there was a remarkable resolve in it.

"Right now, there's something more important I need to take care of first," I said, leaving no room for doubt.

After hanging up, I looked up and realized Brody was standing just a few steps away. I hadn't even noticed when he showed up. His eyes narrowed, sizing me up.

Brody asked, his voice laced with suspicion, "Who were you just talking to? What do you mean, 'how long you'll live'? Are you in trouble again?"

I shook my head hard, forcing a smile that didn't fool anyone.

"No trouble... You've already given me so much money. How could I possibly have any problems?" I tried to sound casual, but my voice was shaky.

What really mattered to me now was finishing this last trip with him, and then disappearing from his life, once and for all.

Above the snowy plains, the green glow snaked through the sky, so bright it didn't even seem real.

"Aurora..." I murmured, barely audible.

I gazed up, lost in the stars I'd always wished for.

"Mom, can you see this? Are you up there watching me right now? You said you'd stay with me forever, but... I guess not," I whispered.