Once, when he was whimpering in misery, she stroked his arm and whispered, “I’ll remember you.” He laughed and coughed. “I know what you think of me,” he said. Quell shrugged. “It’s all right,” he said. “Leave me behind. You’re carrying enough with you.” — He died not long after that. His breathing became more strained, then softer, then ceased altogether.
