EPIC READS PRESS
UNTIL THE LAST GOODBYE
JANISAH OMERA
9/6/2024
ONE
The town of Maplewood was bathed in the warm hues of a late autumn afternoon. The golden
light filtered through the trees, casting a serene glow over the cobblestone streets and quaint
storefronts. Emma Hayes walked with a measured pace along Main Street, her thoughts heavy
and her steps slow. It was the kind of day that made the world seems both beautiful and
unbearably poignant.
Emma had always loved this time of year—the crisp air, the falling leaves, and the sense of
change that came with it. But today, the beauty of the season felt like a cruel reminder of
everything she was losing. Diagnosed with a rare and terminal illness just a few months ago, she
had been given a prognosis that was as chilling as it was final. Her days were now measured in
the fleeting moments of normalcy she could still grasp.
She paused in front of the old bookstore, a place that had been a refuge in her childhood. The
store’s large window displayed a new edition of “Wuthering Heights,” a novel she had adored
since her teenage years. The sight of the book, with its elegant cover and familiar title, tugged at
something deep inside her. She remembered how she used to spend hours here, losing herself in
the pages of classic literature, feeling as though the world was full of endless possibilities.
Lost in thought, Emma barely noticed the chill in the air or the soft rustling of leaves at her feet.
She was about to turn away when a voice, gentle and melodic, broke through her reverie.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” the voice said.
Emma turned to see a man standing beside her, his gaze fixed on the book display. He was tall,
with an easy confidence that contrasted sharply with her own feeling of fragility. His eyes were a
deep, soulful brown, and his smile was both kind and a little wistful.
“It is,” Emma replied, her voice almost a whisper.
He extended a hand, the gesture warm and inviting. “I’m Alex. Alex Carter.”
Emma hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. His grip was firm but gentle, and there
was something about his touch that made her feel unexpectedly comforted. “Emma Hayes.”
Alex’s gaze lingered on her, as if he could see beyond her outward appearance into the depths of
her soul. “You seem like someone who appreciates a good story.”
Emma smiled, though it felt somewhat forced. “I do. Stories have always been a refuge for me.”
Alex nodded thoughtfully. “Sometimes, the stories we read become a part of who we are. They
shape our dreams and help us make sense of our lives.”
Their conversation flowed naturally, and Emma found herself opening up to him more than she
had with anyone in a long time. They talked about their favorite books, shared childhood
memories, and even discussed their dreams and regrets. Alex was an attentive listener, his
responses thoughtful and genuine. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Emma felt a
glimmer of joy and connection.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows over the town, Alex glanced at his watch and
then back at Emma. “I should get going,” he said reluctantly. “But I’d really like to continue this
conversation. Would you be interested in meeting up for coffee sometime?”
Emma hesitated, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and apprehension. She had been so
focused on the harsh reality of her illness that she hadn’t allowed herself to entertain the idea of
new relationships or connections. But something about Alex’s presence felt like a breath of fresh
air, a reprieve from the weight she carried every day.
“I’d like that,” she said softly.
Alex’s smile widened, his eyes reflecting warmth that made Emma’s heart flutter. “Great. How
about tomorrow afternoon?”
Emma agreed, and as they exchanged farewells, she couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of
anticipation. The prospect of meeting Alex again, of exploring this newfound connection,
seemed like a small but precious gift.
The walk back to her apartment was filled with a quiet hopefulness she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Emma knew that her time was limited, and the uncertainty of her illness loomed over her like a
dark cloud. But for now, she allowed herself to enjoy the simple pleasure of a promising new
acquaintance.
As she approached her small apartment, Emma’s thoughts were consumed by the conversation
she’d had with Alex. His kindness, his understanding—it all felt like a beacon of light in her
otherwise dim world. She wondered what the future held, and whether she would have the
chance to explore this connection further.
In the solitude of her apartment, Emma sat by the window, watching the last remnants of
daylight fade into night. She held the book from the bookstore in her hands, its cover a
comforting reminder of the stories that had once been her escape. The world outside seemed to
shrink as she focused on the small, hopeful spark that had ignited within her.
And so, as the stars began to appear in the darkening sky, Emma made a silent promise to
herself. She would cherish each moment, each encounter, no matter how brief. Life had become
a series of fleeting moments, but perhaps in those moments, she could find something worth
holding onto.
