“Promise you’ll wear it for me?” I blink at her, only blurring my vision with more tears. “What?” “The vest.” Her voice is barely a whisper, forcing me to lean forward to hear her as she says, “Th-the green one with the pockets.” She takes a wheezing breath before ragged coughs rack her body. Blood stains her lips and slips from the corners of her mouth, but she continues, determined as ever. “The stitching took me ages and I’d hate for all my… h-hard work to go to waste.” An equal part sob and hysterical laugh escape me. “I promise, A. I’ll wear it every day for you.”
