I needed one last picture. A photo for my funeral. So even if Fredrinn forgot my face, he’d see me once more. Alive. Smiling. Me.
“Miss, you’ve got a really graceful face. ID? Graduation?”
I stared straight into the camera. My voice was calm, but inside I was already gone. “For my funeral.”
The guy’s hands shook, like he wasn’t sure how to react. I didn’t explain. I just let the flash blind me, told myself this would be the one on my coffin.
When I went to wait for the copy, I froze. Laughter at the front door. That low chuckle. His voice. And her high-pitched giggle.
I turned. They were walking in, arm in arm, like some happy couple.
“Lesley? Why are you here?” she said, fake shock.
I tucked the photo in my pocket. “Just took one for my ID. What about you two?” My voice stayed steady.
She leaned on him, soft and sweet. “Photo albums are important for couples. We took a few days ago, now we’re picking them up.”
Fredrinn glanced at me. “She begged. I only went along. Once you’re better, we can make our own album.”
My chest tightened. I nodded, said nothing.