Chapter 10

I wiped my tears as I asked the nurse to contact my parents. In my final moments, I longed to see them one last time.

They came.

Through the glass of the ICU, I saw their faces streaked with tears.

My parents sobbed uncontrollably, mouthing that they should never have let me marry Dashiell.

I cried too.

"Mom, Dad, I'm so sorry," I said.

"I should have listened to you."

I'd heard long ago that at life's end, your memories flash before your eyes like a flickering lantern.

What exactly was this phenomenon?

I didn't know before.

But now, I understand.

So this is what it's like...

Memories flashing by, frame by frame.

My last recollection is of my parents crying.

I closed my eyes and shook my head.

Please don't cry for me.

Mom, Dad, if there's a next life, don't give birth to such a disappointing daughter.

As my consciousness faded, I shut my eyes.

The sound of heartbroken sobs filled my ears.

These past days have been so exhausting.

It's okay.