Seven Days to Goodbye (Irene and Stellan) novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Stellan’s expression stayed tense, his voice sharp. “Don’t joke about things like that again.”

His anger struck me as strangely misplaced, and part of me couldn’t help feeling a flicker of hope.

I asked, “What’s wrong? Are you afraid I’ll die?”

Stellan paused, looking away and replying coldly, “You’re overthinking. I just don’t like bad luck, that’s all.”

My heart, just about to surface, sank quietly back down again.

I murmured, “Alright, I won’t.”

Only then did his face relax a little.

That night, the townsfolk built a bonfire on the hillside near town.

Tourists like us, dressed in kuspuks, joined in the singing and dancing.

I sat off to the side, watching the scene–feeling both envy and longing, but also a sense that I’d lived without regrets.

I’ve always loved a crowd, and to have one last night like this before I die felt like closure.

Stellan suddenly asked, “Aren’t you going to dance with them?”

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Chapter 6

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He watched the fire, but his gaze seemed fixed on distant memories.

“I remember you used to win awards for folk dancing. The day you said yes to me, you danced for me…”

I thought of that unforgettable day.

The day we made it official, I danced for him in front of Mount Foraker.

I wore a red dress, twirling in the morning light, with the sunlit mountain glowing behind me.

It was the brightest, happiest moment of my life.

Embracing my lover, my burning spirit, my freedom.

Remembering it, I felt the sting and sorrow rise, my eyes growing wet.

I looked at him and spoke softly.

“They say the golden sunrise on Mount Foraker is rare. If we see it again this trip, I’ll dance for you one more time.”

Stellan stared at me, something shifting in his eyes.

“Alright.”

His voice was rough, almost hoarse.

Maybe it was the magic of the night, but we sat there gazing at each other, the world fading away.

I could hear my heart pounding, and found myself leaning closer to

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Chapter 6

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him.

As our breaths mingled, lips nearly touching-

Stellan suddenly pulled back, his eyes clearing in an instant, as if waking from a dream.

He forced a laugh. “What, you’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

He looked away, awkwardly adding, “Don’t forget why we’re here.”

All the warmth in me vanished.

He was reminding me, in his own way, that this was a trip for divorce.

That kind of teasing, hidden behind jokes, felt even crueler than his angry outbursts.

Anger flared up inside me.

“Don’t worry. I’ve never forgotten, and I’ve never regretted it!”

I grabbed the glass of local craft beer that had sat untouched all night and looked him in the eye.

“I swear to this mountain, on this drink–if I keep clinging to you after this trip ends, then let me die miserable, and even in death, never find peace!”

I tipped the glass back, ready to drink.

Smack!

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