In the hospital room.Lyra stood by the bed, staring at what was left of Joel—thin, still, pale. His chest barely moved.Then he saw her—and for the first time in days, he smiled. Just a flicker. He reached for her hand, voice barely hanging on."Lyra, don't cry. I'm sorry... I messed up. I mean it this time. Don't feel guilty because I'm gone. Just... can you hold me? One last time?"She bent down and wrapped her arms around him, voice cracked."Don't die... Grandpa Dominic still needs you..."Joel gave a soft, breathless laugh. He looked past her, out the window, where Weston stood waiting.Then his eyes found hers again, full of something between regret and peace."Congrats on your marriage, my Lyra. I really hope you stay happy."Lyra walked out in tears.In the hallway, Weston pulled her into his arms as she broke down, shaking."It's not your fault. Don't carry this."That night, the Fenwick family released Joel's obituary.Three days later was Joel's funeral.Lyra
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