Before getting into the car, he turned back with every step. "Hazel, wait for me. When I come back, I swear I'll make you the most dazzling princess of the James family again. No one will ever bully you again."
I smiled, saying nothing.
As the car disappeared into the distance, I covered my mouth. I couldn't hold it back any longer. Warm, metallic liquid filled my throat.
I coughed up blood.
The doctor had warned me. When the tumor ruptured, it would be the end.
Strange, though.
As I collapsed, hitting the floor, fear didn't grip me. A peculiar calm settled in instead.
My fading consciousness didn't dwell on the pain. It drifted back to the brother he used to be—gentle hands braiding my hair, candy he'd sneak me, the cool washcloth on my forehead during fevered nights when he refused to leave my bedside.
His voice echoed from the past, warm and promising. "When I grow up, I'm going to make a fortune. I'll build you the biggest castle, Hazel. You'll be the happiest princess in the world."
Blood stained my phone screen as trembling fingers tapped out the words. I swallowed the tears. I wouldn't cry. Not now.
I sent Jonathan one last message.
Brother, I'm done waiting. Consider my life payment for whatever I owe you and Valerie. Please, just bury me beside Mom and Dad.
I hit send. My eyelids grew heavy, and the world faded to black.
Beside my lifeless hand, the phone buzzed violently against the floorboards.
