Chapter 3 My arms stung from the burns , but it didn't matter . I went back to my room , pulled out the first - aid kit , and poured alcohol over the cotton . The sting nearly knocked the breath out of me . But honestly ... it still wasn't as painful as watching the man I loved forget me , piece by piece . Back then , Beckley used to make such a fuss over me . Even if I got a small paper cut , he'd panic , grab my hand , and run me to the infirmary like I was about to die . I used to laugh at how dramatic he was , but secretly , I loved it . He made me feel precious . Now ... he didn't even notice the burns on my arm . He didn't even ask . He just walked away with Fresca . I closed my eyes that night , the tears I'd been holding back finally spilling over . They slid down my cheeks and landed right on my burns , stinging so badly that I had to bite my lip to stop myself from crying out . But even that sting wasn't half as sharp as the ache in my chest . -- The next two days only proved how far I'd fallen in his world . Fresca clung to him like glue . She wouldn't let him out of her sight . In the dining room , she pouted like a spoiled child , nudging his arm . " Beckley , feed me the shrimp . Please ? You know it tastes better when you do it . " I sat there quietly , pushing my food around , as Beckley actually picked up the shrimp and put it to her lips . She smiled sweetly , leaning into him as if I wasn't even there . Later on the couch , she snuggled into his chest while a movie played . " Hold me tighter . I get scared during the loud parts . " And Beckley just tightened his arms around her , no hesitation at all . Every time I walked past , Fresca would look at me with that sugary smile of hers and tilt her head . " Claire , you promised , right ? You won't mind if we're close like this ? " My lips would curve into the faintest smile , my voice soft . " Not at all . " That became my answer to everything . I couldn't even tell if I was lying anymore . But the truth was my body was giving out faster than I wanted to admit . Fresca was supposed to be my bone marrow donor . My cousin , my own blood , the one person who could help me . But she kept dangling it like a prize , like a game where I was always losing . 8:55 Thu , Oct 16 I looked in the mirror that evening , pale and weak , and realized I might not even have the strength to stand much longer . That was when I made a decision . Before I grew too frail to move , I wanted one last picture . A photo to use at my funeral . So that even if my face faded from Beckley's memory , at least he would see me once more - smiling , alive , and still me . " Miss , you've got such a graceful face . What's the picture for ? ID ? Graduation ? " I looked straight into the camera . My voice came out steady , but inside I was already gone . " For my funeral . " His hands shook so badly I thought he might drop the camera . He didn't even know what to say , and I didn't care to explain . I just sat still , let the flash blind me , and told myself this would be the photo they'd place on my coffin . When I went to wait for the copy , laughter rang through the front door . I froze because I knew that laugh . Beckley's low chuckle , mixed with Fresca's high - pitched giggle . I turned my head and saw them walking in , arm in arm , like a happy couple on a date . Fresca's eyes widened when she noticed me . " Claire ? Why are you here ? " I tucked the photo into my pocket quickly . " Just took one for my ID . " My voice stayed calm . " What about you two ? " She leaned her head on Beckley's shoulder , acting all soft . " A photo album is important for couples . We took some a few days ago , so we're here to pick them up . " Beckley glanced at me , trying to explain . " She begged for it . I only went along to humor her . Once you're better , we can take our own album too . " My heart tightened . I nodded and said nothing . The staff called them over to select their pictures . I wanted to slip out , but Fresca grabbed my wrist . " Claire , help us choose . Your taste is better than mine . " Before I could answer , she dragged me to the computer screen . And there they were . Photo after photo of Beckley and Fresca together . Holding hands . Smiling like they belonged . In one picture , the sunset spilled behind them as they kissed . In another , Beckley hugged her from behind , both of them in matching white . Every image stabbed at me . My throat felt tight , but Fresca's voice rang beside me , cheerful and sharp . " Pick a good one , Claire . Which do you think makes us look the happiest ? " I wanted to speak , but before I could , a loud crash shook the studio . The shelves toppled over . Beckley didn't even hesitate . He lunged at Fresca , covering her with his body . 8:55 Thu , Oct 16 A20 Meanwhile , the sharp corner of a metal shelf slammed against my shoulder . I screamed as pain shot through me . The edge tore through my blouse , hot blood . soaking me instantly . " Beckley , it hurts ! " Fresca wailed , clutching at her arm where there was barely a scratch . Beckley panicked , his voice tight . " You're bleeding . We need to get you to a hospital . " He swept her into his arms like a bride and rushed toward the door . He stopped just once , turning his head back . His eyes landed on me , trapped under the heavy shelf , blood pooling around me as I struggled to crawl out . Our gazes locked for a moment - one , two seconds - and then he looked away . Without a word , he left with her . I forced myself up , swaying , and dragged my own body to the hospital . The doctor frowned as he stitched my wound . " Why didn't you have anyone bring you here ? You're losing too much blood . This is serious . " I bit my lip as the needle pierced my skin . " I didn't have anyone . " He hesitated , then said , " Strange ... a young woman was here earlier with a tiny graze , but her boyfriend looked terrified for her . He demanded extra consultations . " A bitter laugh left me before I could stop it . " That was my boyfriend too . " The doctor froze , his eyes wide . He didn't ask another question . He just finished stitching me in silence . Late that night , I was in my room trying to change my own bandage when.Beckley finally came back . He opened the door and froze when he saw me struggling . His eyes went wide when he saw the wound . " Claire , how did this happen ? " His voice cracked as he rushed over . 8:55 Thu , Oct 16 I didn't look up . " The shelf hit me . "