The sunrise breaks silver, and Tessa can only hope that fate is at work.
His slow fingers catch the pendant dangling around her neck, squeezing the beautiful ornament with feeble strength. "Thank you, Tessa," he murmurs to her, a miniscule smile stretching against his cheek. She can only press her palm against his hair and fight back the moisture blocking her vision. She knew this day was coming – as did the rest of the world. Though it was common knowledge, Jem was the only one able to accept his impending death.
"I will miss you far too much," she whispers.
He closes his eyes against the harsh beam of silver sunlight streaking in through the window. Tessa is forced to bite her lip hard to keep herself from shaking him and crying out no, no, not now, please not now. As if sensing her desperation, Jem places his hand over hers. "Goodbye, Tessa."