Majestic Weirdo: Yes, this chapter is very, very short. However, the one after it should be a deal longer. That will also be the last chapter. Reviewers, please vote for either a complete ending or a cliffhanger.
"Happy birthday, Megumi!"
Michiru gave her daughter a suffocating hug after she had accepted Koneko's gift. Megumi blushed bashfully at her guests as Haruka joined in Michiru's tormenting. The rest of the girls helped themselves to the pool as the three stayed behind for a private conversation.
"Sweetie, is there anything special that you want to do today?" Haruka asked.
Megumi considered the question for a mere second. "I'm happiest here with you."
Megumi knelt in front of the raised beach chair and helped Haruka remove Michiru's leg braces. Haruka lent her back to Michiru and carried her into to the pool as Megumi joined her friends.
Michiru allowed herself to paddle through the pool under Haruka's careful watch, avoiding the group of girls she shared the pool with. She watched Setsuna help Makoto place the homemade cake with fourteen candles onto the table as the rest of the gaggle arrived late due to Minako's nonexistent navigating skill. Michiru knew it was soon, no, very soon, but it was a fine way to go. Haruka was by her side and everyone was happy. Michiru treaded back to Haruka and gave her a cheerful smile. It was a fine time to go.
Haruka cuddled the warm body for warmth from the window's abnormally cool breeze. Not much earlier, it had been uncomfortable hot, but now it was quite the opposite. Haruka lay there in her idleness until she bothered to get up to close it. Feeling a bit better, Haruka sat on the bed and slid under the sheets. Michiru was sleeping as peacefully as usual, completely undisturbed by the cold of the early morning. Haruka wrapped her arms around Michiru and began to nod off again.
Teal eyes snapped open as she noticed that something was wrong. The warm body that she held showed no sign of respiration.
Majestic Weirdo: As you can see, I was not lying when Isaid that she was dying. I imagine that early morning was probably a couple days after the birthday, by the way, but that is your decision.