In the spacious hall, Lily lay quietly, choking in Charles's arms. "Charles, did you already know that I wouldn't live long?"
Charles held Lily's pale, delicate hand in his own, turning it over and over, his heart aching as if it were being cut with a knife.
"Actually... I had Linda check on that day. The bandage had said that kind of ritual never ends well. I was afraid that what came back wouldn't be the real you. Luckily, it was you, but unfortunately, it was also you."
Lily's lips clamped shut, tears flowing once again. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to stay with you a little longer."
"It's okay, it's okay." Charles gently leaned Lily's head against his neck.
"However many days you have left, I'll be with you for just as many." Charles slowly closed his eyes as he spoke.
"Linda said I have two more days, which is exactly when we are supposed to go out to sea."
Lily kept wriggling in Charles's arms, just like she used to nestle through his fingers when she was a mouse.
