Chapter 9 - The Final Days|
The autumn weeks turned into cold November rain, but inside room 412 of Saint Jude's, the room was warm, filled with fresh flowers, drawings, and quiet laughter.
Max spent every afternoon at Charlotte's bedside. He brought his laptop, working quietly in the corner while Lily read books aloud to her mother.
Regina slowly dropped her hostility, watching in quiet disbelief as the man she had despised for a decade patiently fed Charlotte broth, brushed Lily's hair, and helped with primary school homework.
One quiet evening, as the rain tapped against the hospital glass, Charlotte called Max over to her bed.
Lily was fast asleep on the small sofa in the corner, wrapped in a fleece blanket.
"Max," Charlotte whispered softly, her eyes clear despite her frailty.
"I'm here," Max said, taking her pale hand in both of his.
"Thank you," she murmured. "Thank you for listening to her. Thank you for coming back."
"I should have been here all along," Max said, a tear escaping his eye. "I wasted so many years, Charlotte."
"Don't look back, Max," Charlotte smiled faintly, her breathing slowing. "Look at her. Give her the world... the real world. Not the money. The love."
May you like
Max leaned down, kissing her forehead gently. "I promise. I swear to you, Charlotte."
Later that night, as the rain quieted outside, Charlotte passed away peacefully, her hand resting inside Max's palm.
