Even After Death by Lilting Champ

She counted until he reached his car. He did not turn back.

Olivia lay forgotten on the ground, unmoving. Although the side effects of the treatment had reduced significantly, her body still felt weak. The hard fall felt like it had broken her bones.

Brent and the rest were with Ethan. Madam Burgess used to be around, but she left. Now the house was empty.

Snow fell from the sky, and cold wind came from all directions. Her hands and feet were frozen.

She thought, “Someone please help me.”

Her bag was not far from where she was, but she could not turn over and reach for it.

She could only stare at the snowflakes floating in a cruel ballet in the sky. Tears slowly fell from her face as she whispered, 885, 886…”

1038, Olivia had recovered enough strength to stand. She used one hand to support herself

1. up.

of her nose was red from the cold. She couldn’t raise the arm she used to catch the boy, so she had to use

a lot of

warming up from the heater in the car. She watched the scenery outside the window rapidly passing by. Her mouth curled into a smile as she said, “Thank you,

have

Keith was done with work. She had been waiting for the on–call

familiar face when she opened the

head down. His face

know he was working tonight. It would be too obvious if she backed out now. Keith lifted his head while she was deliberating on what to

at the sight of her. Then, they quickly turned into a look of

didn’t think Olivia would come and see him this late. He rushed over quickly. “Is something

cold. Her hands were numb,

“Keith,

look on Keith’s face changed the moment he heard that the arm with the mediport was hurting. “Quick, let me see. You studied