Shea lay in bed, expressionless.
She was drifting off to sleep more frequently, and as it became harder to wake her, her memories slipped through her fingers.
She could sense that she was about to leave the world.
She thought back to how she had begged Wesley to take her away years ago out of fear that Elliot would be devastated.
This time, she was braver and wanted to bid her farewell to her family.
By the time Elliot and Avery arrived at the hospital, Shea had drifted off to sleep again.
She had tried her best to wait for them, but she could not control her brain.
Wesley handed Shea's medical record to Avery. "Her situation is severe, and all possible treatments have been used, but there's been little to no effect. The treatment process can be painful, and she wants to stop." Wesley sat down next to the bed. "The doctors don't recommend that we keep up with the treatment either."
Avery glanced through the medical record and said, "If she doesn't intend to get any further treatment, there's no need for her to stay in the hospital."
Elliot scowled at her words. "Is there no other way?"
"Elliot, Shea is too far gone. I know it's hard for you to accept it, but she is lucky to have lived this long. I've always known that she wouldn't live a long life." Avery spoke the words she had not dared say in the past.
"Elliot, don't blame Avery. The doctors said the same, and I'm prepared." Wesley looked at them calmly. "She didn't want you two to be upset, so don't act too sad when she wakes up."
Shea jolted awake after two hours as though she knew someone was waiting for her.
"Are you crying?" She picked up on his hoarse voice and looked up to study his face.
"Shea, is there anything I can do for you?" Elliot looked down. "Just say the word."
"There's something I want your help with." Shea raised her hand to wipe away his tears. "I want to be euthanized, but Wesley won't agree to it. Please convince him! I don't want to fight him in the last days of my life. I want to die happy, instead of being tormented by pain and amnesia. I will look horrible."
"Our country doesn't allow euthanasia."
"I know. Take me somewhere that allows it. Big Brother, I don't want to forget you. If I don't die soon, I will forget all about you... You are all precious to me and the best thing that happened to me in this life... I would rather die than forget you."
Elliot fell into silence.
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