The fun had been completely taken away from doing whatever I wanted.

I had already: swum in the ocean, played with the animals, cooked whatever I wanted, played pranks on Correolanus with NO REACTION, and was now bored out of my mind.

I spent most of my time on the grass, staring at the mountains above, desperately wanting to climb them.

I wanted to do _something_. I had tried multiple times to escape, but Correolanus always caught me.

Besides, I was getting sicker by the day, and no longer had energy to do anything.

Eventually, I could no longer cook my food, and Correolanus cooked it for me.

I was scared.

“What are you thinking about?” Correolanus asks as he sits down next to me.

I just pull my blanket closer around my shoulders and stare up at the mountains.

He hands me a cup of cocoa, and I let the warmth from my hands reach the rest of my freezing body.

“How long?” I ask him, still looking at the mountains above.

He sighs. “One week, maybe two?”

I take a shaky breath. “I don’t…” I trail off, trying to prep myself for what I’m about to say. “I don’t think I’ll make it that long.”

He looks over at me. “Don’t say that, Melody.”

“I have to,” I respond. “Because I don’t think I can.”

Correolanus goes quiet. “I want to be taken back to my parents,” I say. “And you have to explain. Tell them everything. Every detail of my life here, they need to know.

“And tell them how much I love them, and how much I hated their stupid parties. Tell them they don’t have to prove themselves to anyone how amazing they are, they just are.”

“Melody-“ “and tell them about yourself, they’ll be worried their daughter was with a stranger. Tell them you’re a friend,” I pause to squeeze his hand.

“And tell them I missed them _so _much, and that they need to continue their life. Tell them that just because I’m gone doesn’t mean they have to stop living.

“Tell them that… that they’re the best parents ever, and I’ll be with them and love them forever, no matter where I am. Promise me you will.”

We sit in silence for a moment while tears slide down my face, but I’m not unhappy.

In fact, there’s a small smile on my face as I look at the mountains.

Then I turn to Correolanus and kiss him.

He looks shocked. I laugh. “Sorry, I needed to have my first kiss before I die.”

Then I lay on my back and look at the stars. The sky is huge and beautiful, and brilliant out here. Correolanus lies down with me and takes my hand. “I promise.”