Chapter 25
Mildred
Unknown
Ipace the floorboards, my eyes never leaving her stillness. The gentle lift of her chest is my sole proof that life lingers still within her.
“It will take some time, Milly. She’s going to be okay. You did what you needed to.”
I keep my eyes upon her, offering only a small nod in reply. He exhales, a weary sound as he departs. The door shuts behind him with a delicate click.
His aid I do not take for granted, but he cannot comprehend the agony that seizes me to see her so still. It feels as though I’ve stepped backwards into another age all over again. My body aches with a sorrow so deep it settles into my bones, making even the smallest motion a trial.
I tried to step away as the days continued to slip through my fingers. I must seek some resolution regarding this horrible priest, though what does it matter? All else fades beside the thought of her.
I cannot tear my eyes away, for I am haunted by the dreadful notion that should I blink, her breath may falter and be no more.
I cannot bear the thought that her life might be spent because of me.
But if by some cruel turn of chance it were to be so?
I cannot endure to see her slip away without me… once more.