Chapter 29
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He’s sitting in the mpv right now, sheltering from the rain.
Seeing the wish bottles, he can’t wait to know what wishes nineteen- year–old them had made.
Benjamin’s wish was: May Elizabeth break free from her cocoon and rise from the ashes.
Back then, he’d just learned her story, so he hoped she could be reborn if possible.
My wish was: May life be smooth sailing.
After returning from school.
Benjamin’s condition worsened daily.
That day, he suddenly insisted we take professional photos.
I thought perhaps he sensed his life nearing its end and wanted portraits to leave behind.
Yet unexpectedly, he led her to the photo studio.
A row of staff stood at attention.
“Young Master Benjamin!”
Benjamin hadn’t yet taken over the family business, hence everyone
addressed him this
way.
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Chapter 29
Dressed in a bespoke suit, he remained distinguished despite his illness.
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Trying on the Wedding Dress
“I’d like this young lady to try on a wedding dress.”
The clerk looked at her with envy and added, “This way please, Mr. Benjamin and Miss Elizabeth.”
He paused briefly before clarifying, “Just her.”
I knew he feared never seeing me in a wedding gown.
I also knew he didn’t want my first experience to be with him, choosing instead to remain an observer.
Smiling at the clerk, I suggested, “Let’s take some wedding photos. Just one will do.”
He froze in surprise.
–
That day I tried countless dresses – backless mermaid styles, strapless silhouettes yet none met his approval.
—
Only after I’d nearly exhausted every gown in the shop
C
1M
M
THE HE THE
did he finally murmur, “You look beautiful in anything, Elizabeth.
וד
The moment the picture was taken, he collapsed unexpectedly into my arms, still dressed in his suit.
I was thinking.
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It wouldn’t be so bad to die without pain.
As a cancer survivor, I know how loved ones cling to us through every stage.
But for us, it’s pure agony.
What we want most is to slip away peacefully in our sleep.
Free from suffering.
Tears plinked down as I cried out hoarsely.
“Benjamin, Benjamin-”
Overwhelming dread swallowed me whole; I couldn’t bear losing him.
Even knowing he’d suffer, I selfishly wished he’d stay with me longer.
Head bowed, I whispered by his ear:
“Benjamin, spend Christmas with me? Just hold on a little longer.”
Benjamin stayed silent, but I saw a tear roll down his right cheek.
You don’t speak, so I’ll take that as agreement.
I still dialed emergency services–one last time.
Benjamin was successfully resuscitated.
Only, when I saw him again, he lay covered in tubes.
Fear swept through me once more.
This time, I wasn’t afraid of his death, but terrified he might suffer.
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Chapter 29
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His parents arrived.
Emma Hayes, who’d initially been inconsolable, now just watched Benjamin with aching tenderness.
Clutching his hand, she murmured:
“Son, could you sleep peacefully? The pain fades when you rest.”
“My boy, I’ll miss you. Don’t worry–I’ve kept every toy from your childhood safe in storage. Even that Mother’s Day drawing you made at five, I’ve preserved them all.”
“You’ll never be forgotten, son.”
My throat tightened. Had I done wrong?
Had I not called the ambulance, would Benjamin have passed away peacefully, at least free from pain?
