It seems like a completely normal day, but it’s not…
Artemis takes a shower when we get back to her house. Alice sits up in her room, reading, as I walk down the hall.
“Come here,” she breathes in a raspy voice. I oblige and enter her room.
“Sit, boy, sit.” I smile and do as she says. The chocolate brown folds of her face move into a smile.
“I know I don’t have much time. And I wanted to give you this. Not for anytime soon. Artemis is my daughter. Not by blood, but you don’t need blood to be family. And she’s also found family in you. I want you to have this ring. It belonged to my mother. And when you and her are ready, I want you to use it to propose to Artemis.” I take the old, silver ring from her. Each breath she makes rattles in her chest, the sound itself is painful.
“Ali
