Page 72 of Torment

“I love you,” I muttered, my eyes fluttering open and closed. “I love you so fucking much.”

“I know. I love you too. Just hold on. Please.”

I could feel Jolie’s tears spilling onto my chest as she tried her best to put more pressure on my abdomen.

“It’s okay,” I whispered deliriously. “Can’t save me, baby girl.”

“Don’t try to talk. Just breathe,” Jolie said, pushing harder.

The pain was gone now. I knew what that meant.

I should’ve been unhappy that my life was ending so abruptly, but all I wanted to do was smile as I watched Jolie lean over me, pressing down on my body. She was so beautiful. So vibrant. So gloriously alive. Just like she deserved.

I’d take that bullet a million times over if it meant she was safe and free forever.

A bitter coldness hit at my core, and my breathing turned slow and sluggish. I could still see and hear things, but I couldn’t move or control a single part of my body. The room slowly began to darken, and the chill in my bones grew icier. Like a ghost, I felt myself start to slip away.

When I closed my eyes, I was still smiling.

To be continued…