“I love you,” she choked out, staring at her trembling hands.

Elaine could feel the vines in her throat, coiling around the narrow space. Inside her lungs, flowers grew rapidly, filling every inch of space. Every exhale came with a twinge of pain, her lungs deflating and bumping against the sharp thorns.

“I’ve loved you for—“ Elaine rasped, clenching her fists as tightly as she could. “For as long as I can remember. I… I can’t even imagine a life without loving you. It’s ingrained into my being. Something I could never escape.”

She finally found the courage to look up, making eye contact with the love of her life. Even on her deathbed, Elaine couldn’t help but admire the gorgeous woman in front of her. Her best friend. Her dearest, Lianne.

“I’m sorry, but…” Lianne’s words sounded muffled, slowly fading away as Elaine’s vision darkened.

She could feel gentle hands cover her fists. Using the slightest bit of force, they easily got her to relax her own hands. Slender fingers slotted into the gaps of her own.

“Maybe in another life.”

Elaine’s vision turned black.