Whenever someone left his cell, Elliot always noticed. Even with the fever, he always took note of the lack of someone’s presence, just in case it was the last time he saw that particular person. Rae hadn’t left his side since he’d been placed in this room, but David and Evan (and, surprisingly, even Leah) had come and gone. It was tough not to worry that he wouldn’t get his chance to say goodbye to his brother and friend, but he’d managed.
Up until now, anyway.
Now, Elliot knew the end was nearing, and Evan’s disappearance affected him more than it ever had. Had Rae told him to go away? She wouldn’t do that, though. No. She wouldn’t deny Evan or Elliot the chance to say goodbye to one another.
Whatever the reason Evan left, Elliot forced himself not to overanalyze it. The time for overanalyzing was over. He turned his eyes back to Rae and felt his lips curling upward into a small smile.
“Hey there, Sunshine.” Her hand on his cheek was cooler than his own skin, but the coolness was no longer soothing. Every minute that ticked by, Elliot was getting weaker, more tired. “No, ma’am,” he answered, trying for casual, but failing miserably.
This was the last time he’d ever see her beautiful face. He didn’t want to look away. It was the last time he’d get to touch her, too. His hand found hers.
“Did I ever tell you that you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen?” He had. Dozens of times. “Feel like I haven’t said it enough.”