She was dying. She had only seconds to live. Seconds until that bullet made it all the way to her heart and seconds until the pain would cease. The world to her seemed like it was running in slow motion. She had sensed Castle pushing her, but before he could push her completely out of harm's way, the bullet had struck her. She went reeling back half from shock and half from the force of the bullet. She saw everyone get up and stare at her for the fraction of a second, not quite comprehending what was happening. But Castle sensed it. As she fell back, on to the fresh earth, she saw Ryan and Esposito rise and run towards her. She saw Lanie pick her phone up and dial- for an ambulance perhaps. She saw Castle kneeling next to her, begging her not to leave, asking her to stay. The pain subsided the second she looked into his eyes. She saw pure, undying love for her in his eyes. Castle mouthed the very words she'd been dying to hear since a long time.
'I love you Kate, stay with me. I love you'.
Now she was content. The pain suddenly shot up. Her eyes slowly snapped shut. Castle's words rang in her ears.
'I love you Kate, stay with me. I love you'.
The world suddenly went black…
****** The end begins *******