Page 118 of Locke 2

“But you already know.”

I shook my head.

I didn’t know, did I?

“He said the same thing you heard him say at the end,” she told me.

“That you weren’t his,” I whispered, remembering the fights he’d had with my mother. The straw that broke the camel’s back was this discovery. His entire world had collapsed around him, and in his rage, he wanted us gone along with him.

“Aurora,” I said, my eyes brimming with more tears. “I should have told you to run.”

Her smile faded. Her eyes welled up. A tear fell down her cheek, merging with the blood streak. “But I didn’t run, Kali, and we can’t change what happened. You tried your best.”

She looked beyond me. “Save him.”

I shook my head. “I can’t.”

But she leaned closer and said, “Saving someone doesn’t always mean saving them from death.”

The blackness took her in the next breath.

Crying, I shuffled around the hole, reuniting with Lenny. At my touch he jolted, a gasp escaping from his lips.

“It’s me,” I said. “Just me.”

“Kari,” he spoke weakly.

“Yeah.”

He clung to me, burying himself back into my chest. His whole body trembled. “I’m scared.”

I nodded and ran my fingers through his hair. “Me too, but I’m here, and you’re not going to face this alone.”

He settled in my arms and fell back asleep.

“Hang in there, Lenny…”

But time slipped by. Minutes or hours or maybe even days. I didn’t know how long. All I knew was I had Lenny in my arms, and I would have to feel his final heartbeat. Then I would follow.I was growing weaker. Colder. Breathing hurt and I was soaked in my blood.

I drifted off, unable to keep my eyes open, but hoping when I woke up, it would be Aurora welcoming me home.

???

“Kali.”

I opened my eyes.

More blackness. But she was glowing in it, looking magnificent. “Do you hear that, Aurora? We’re reaching the end of our party.”

I didn’t hear anything.

I felt Lenny’s chest still move against mine, but I was too weak to even shake him.

“It’s almost over?” I asked, hopefully.

She nodded. “Yes, just a few more moments longer.”

I felt the hot tears slide down my face. I was so happy. “I’m ready, Aurora. I can’t wait to see you.”

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