Eep, it almost physically hurts to post this chapter. I've been thinking about it since the story began, and I think it's safe to post this. Don't worry, this is NOT the end; it's more of a little bonus, taking place about a year after Chapter 22. And I'll make up for it being super short…the final chapter will be long! :)
Molly pulled the shearling coat around her in an attempt to block out the wind. She trudged up the bleak, snowy hill; no residents were outside. It was simply too cold.
Molly held the bundle of dandelions tight to her chest. They were the ones that she had kept in her house for so long. Their bright yellow heads had faded out slightly and they hung a bit lower than most.
She kept walking, however, until she finally reached her destination. Liam's house loomed before her, silent and imposing. She opened the door.
Dust coated the furniture, and everything was eerily quiet. She could hear the wind howling against the windows. Molly shut the door behind her and began walking up the stairs. Her hands trembled slightly.
"Hey, Liam. It's me."
The shape on the bed moved slightly. Molly squeezed her bouquet.
"…Molly?" he mumbled, looking up. Molly tried to ignore the pallor of his face and his dead eyes.
No, they were not entirely dead, there was a wisp of smoke, a remnant of the blaze that was Liam. But he was just barely there, a grain of salt left in a shell.
"Happy Valentine's Day," she whispered.
"You too." he sank back into the bed. Molly could hear his labored breathing from her spot at the base of the stairs. She walked closer.
"It's so unfair."
Liam glanced towards her, a ghost of a smile on his face. "I told you a million times. I tested positive, Molly. The plague would have to catch up with me at some point."
Molly flinched. How could he be so smooth with his words when he was dying?
"Alli and Gayle, they're still working on a cure…" she said faintly.
"It's okay, Molly."
Tears came to her eyes.
"Do you mind if I let go?" he said suddenly.
"W-what?" it took Molly a second, then, "Of course I mind! If you die, I'll slap you!"
Liam laughed, which lead off into a series of coughs. "But for real…"
Molly sighed. "Well…if you can't hold on…then let go."
Liam smiled at her, then noticed the bundle in her hand.
"Whats that?"
"They're…" her voice caught. "For you."
Liam held out his arms, which trembled madly as she deposited the dandelions in his hands. He pulled them close to his chest.
"Dandelions, huh?" he murmured, his voice slurring a bit. "You've always been a poetic sap, I suppose."
"Yeah." Molly looked down.
Liam looked up towards the ceiling.
"Thank you," he said. His smile wavered away, and his eyes closed.
"Liam," Molly started, suddenly beginning to panic. "Liam, just hold on, just for a little longer, please…" tears dropped down her cheek and she trembled.
He squeezed the dandelions. "Thank you," he repeated, opening his eyes. "For everything." he turned and looked up at the ceiling with a small smile, then closed his eyes once more.
The last thing she heard from him was a single, small exhale of relief.