Saving Bel

"F…father…" Bel's weak voice echoed, her eyes lingering on her father before drifting to the Kleinford family head and then to June. "Un…cle… Ju…ne…"

Her voice was quiet and slow, but they heard it clearly. Bel's eyes had dimmed, holding no brightness or cheerfulness—only acceptance.

"How… do you feel?" Mathias asked, his voice choked, though he tried his best to remain calm. His clenched fists betrayed his true feelings. He walked over to her bed and sat beside her.

"I'm… good…" Bel answered, each breath labored and forceful.

"That's good, that's good," Mathias repeated, raising her hand and gently touching her faintly warm cheek.

"I… won't… be able… to survive… right?" Bel gave a weak smile.

Nathan Kleinford looked away, as did June, unable to bring themselves to tell her the truth. Their hearts were heavy, seeing Bel—the once lively, bright young girl—lying frail on her bed.