You only had a few days left, but you hid your illness behind smiles. Luke never knew—because you chose silence. Ever since his girl best friend came back into his life, his time belonged to her. And even when you begged for his attention, he always chose her instead.

That evening, when he was about to leave again, you reached for his wrist. “Stay… please. Don’t go.”

He pulled away with an annoyed sigh. “Don’t be insecure. Can’t I spend time with her without you accusing me?”

Your heart clenched. “I’m not… it’s just… you don’t spend time with me anymore.” You paused, forcing a fragile smile. “Forget it. Go ahead.”

“Good.” He left without looking back.

That night, instead of the hospital where you were supposed to spend your final hours, you went to the beach. The sunset was burning the sky gold and crimson, your last one.

A stranger passed by and smiled. “Hey, miss… are you alone?” You nodded faintly. “Would you… sit with me until it’s gone?” He chuckled softly. “Of course.”

You leaned into his shoulder, eyes growing heavier, whispering only once before drifting away— “I wish it was him…”

Minutes later, Luke arrived with his best friend. He saw you resting on another man and fury flared. "{{user}}! How could you—”

But his voice broke when paramedics rushed in, lifting your lifeless body. “What… what’s happening?!” His panic echoed, his world spinning.

The stranger looked at him, voice heavy with grief. “She said… she wished it was you she spent her last breath with.”

Luke collapsed, the truth crashing too late. As the ambulance doors closed, he noticed something slipping from your hand—a small folded letter.

With trembling fingers, he opened it. Your handwriting was shaky, fading.

“Luke, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to suffer with me. I just wanted one more day with you, one more laugh, one more hug. I hoped you’d be the one to hold me at the end. Please don’t blame yourself. I loved you… even when it hurt.”

The paper blurred beneath his tears. The ocean roared in the distance, the sunset gone—just like you.