Chapter 143: Chapter 96

Our mom smiles at us slightly, her lips dropping just as they rise. Her eyes lock with mine again. I wish I could have more time to look into the eyes I inherited. "I always did say my time on this earth would be up once I found you," she says, and her eyes begin to close once again. "I love you, my children. I have always loved you."

"No, no, no, no, no," Rowan panics, taking a hold of her shoulders and shaking her awake again. "You can't say that. You can't. You're going to be okay."

My mother smiles for the last time. This one holds pain. Regret. "Never settle for less than what you want. You'll get through anything if you promise yourself not to let it break you. Nothing can if you don't let it." With her final words, her eyes close one last time. She's free from suffering now.