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Claire bit her lip and ran away.
Nathan looked at me,voice rough."How long do you have left?"
"A month."
He forced a smile."Sarah,any wishes?I'll grant them."
I said flatly,"What if I wish for your death?"
He froze.
I smiled."Kidding.How could I want you dead?"
He shook his head."You're right.I deserve to die."
"I let Claire hurt you.I deserve it."
He pulled my hand to slap him."Hit me,hard.Will it help?"
I wanted to slap him.
But I couldn't.
I had to act like I couldn’t love him more.
With tears in my eyes,I said,"Nathan,I do have a wish.I want to marry you in the hilltop church."
"On my birthday,in two weeks,before I die."
"Can I have that?My only wish before I die."
Nathan hugged me tightly,like I was a lost treasure.
He kissed my forehead,my eyes,my nose,my lips.
"Of course."
"I'll give you the grandest wedding ever."
"I'll show the whole group you're my wife."
...
Days later,Nathan granted every my request.
I said I wanted Claire to practice shooting with me.He kissed my hair."Whatever makes Sarah happy."
I made Claire balance an apple on her head.
She trembled,biting her lip."Sarah,you've touched guns before in your whole life.You'll miss..."
I smiled at Nathan."Nathan,if I miss and kill Claire,what then?"
Nathan stiffened and swallowed unconsciously."Whatever makes Sarah happy."
Claire begged him."Nathan,don't let her!She'll kill me!Can you bare to watch me die?"
Nathan looked away, pretending not to hear her.
I picked up the gun—my first time since Luke was captured.
I closed my eyes,recalling the feeling of having Luke behind me,guiding my hands,teaching me how to shoot.
I could hit the bullseye,but I couldn't.
Bang.The bullet grazed Claire's cheek.
She collapsed,pale,terrified.
I stared at the terrified expression on her face,chuckling."I'm not done yet,Claire.Get up."
The second shot passed between her legs.
Her legs couldn’t stop trembling,and soon,liquid pooled.
She'd wet herself.
I covered my nose."Stinks."
Claire screamed at Nathan."Nathan,Sarah's crazy!She's crazy!"
Nathan looked at me,his expressions softening,about to speak.
I gave him a pitiful smile."Nathan,I don't have long.Can't you just grant me this wish?"
He took my face in his hands,soothing me."Of course."
Claire collapsed in despair at what he said.
I counted silently.
Three,two,one.
