Page 132 of Molt

“Because I need you to hear it while you’re still you.”

I cry. I can’t stop.

“Sarah.”

“I love you.”

My heartbeat stutters inside her chest, the second rhythm grows stronger.

Mine weakens.

She presses my hand against her sternum. “Feel that?”

Two beats.

One hers.

One mine.

“I’ll keep it.”

I shake my head. “You don’t have to.”

“I know.”

“I don’t want you carrying me.”

“Too fucking late.”

A laugh escapes. Then another.

We both laugh.

Hysterical.

Broken.

Covered in blood.

Her stomach open around my arm.

My body disappearing against the floor.

It should be horrifying.

It is.

It’s also the closest I’ve ever felt to anyone.

Maybe that’s the cruelest part.

“I need you to do something,” Sarah whispers.

“What?”

“Let her go.”

My smile disappears. “I don’t know how.”