Emerie sat in the lounge, a blank engagement card before her.
The pen trembled in her hand. Five attempts, each ending when the nib barely touched the paper after tracing “Wish“.
“Wish them what?”
She whispered to herself.
“A lifetime together? Forgetting me completely?”
Her fingers stiffened. Ink slashed across the card before she tossed it into the wastebasket.
Her phone buzzed.
A notification glowed: Sunset Care Center: Final Confirmation Reminder.
Retain original plan? Execution: Friday 8 PM.
Her gaze blurred over the words.
She hit redial.
“Emerie, Sunset Care Center Procedures Department. Confirm autonomous peaceful termination at scheduled time: Friday 8 PM.”
“Confirmed.”
“Understood. Video will, trust transfer, and remains processing will initiate simultaneously. Settle personal affairs be- forehand. Revocation permitted until 4 PM Friday.”
“No need.”
“Very well. Your dignity and wishes will be honored.”
After hanging up, her fingers dug into the table edge. The unfinished card glared white against the wood.
Eyes hardening, she grabbed her bag and strode from the studio.
At the parking lot, she collided with Andrew emerging from his car.
“Where to?” he asked.
“Grabbing food.”
“I’ll drive.”
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Chapter 4
“No need.”
He watched her walk away, then followed in his car.
She entered the diner where they’d pulled all–nighters for their first ad pitch.
Sliding into the window booth, she ordered two identical meals.
Andrew sat across from her, observing her slow bites. “You’ve been off lately.”
“How?”
“Evading conversations. Delaying decisions. Keeping distance.”
“Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“No.”
His gaze tightened. “Know your top three phrases this month?”
She remained silent.
“No need. I’m fine. Leaving now.”
Her spoon froze.
“Hiding something?” he pressed.
“No.” She resumed eating.
“Are you leaving?”
She looked up. “I’m right here, aren’t I?”
“You just stopped caring.”
He opened his mouth but found no right to question.
She paid and stood. “Final setup’s tomorrow. I’ll wrap things up.”
“And after?”
“After?” She turned. “After is goodbye.”
“1
Late that night, Emerie transferred all work files and wiped her drives.
She named her final project:
The Last Frame.
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Chapter 5
