“You came,” he whispered.
“Of course.”
He studied my face like he was memorizing it.
“You didn’t hesitate,” he said. “You just… helped. No audience, no judgment. And the chocolate bar.” His eyes glistened. “You reminded me people can still be good when no one’s watching.”
I took his hand. “I’m a nurse. Tell me where it hurts. I can help.”
He smiled, weak but real. “It’s time, sweetheart. That’s all.”
Yves handed him an envelope. He pressed it into my palm.
“No strings,” he said. “Just… thank you.”
I stayed until the end, holding his hand while it grew cool and still. I couldn’t pronounce time of death outside the hospital, so I waited with Yves until the paramedics came.
They were gentle, respectful. When they folded the blanket over his chest, I touched his hand one last time.
