Hope sparks in my chest, a frantic pounding that hurts the way hope can sometimes. “It’s not good-bye? Not forever?” Her mouth quirks with a sad smile. “I don’t like good-byes.” I bury my trembling fingers in her hair and bring her forehead to rest against mine. “Promise me. Promise me, Rosie.” Her eyes flutter closed, lashes lying against her rosy skin as tears cascade down her cheeks. “I don’t think my forever exists without you somewhere inside it.”
