The First to Die at the End

by Adam Silvera

As sure as I am that I’ll see my reflection when I look in the mirror, I’m certain that I will see my sister before I die. That’s the most important dream that needs to come true.

“Thanks for not leaving me alone, Orion.” My eyes travel from his heart-shaped lips that I want to kiss straight to his gaze. “I’m your friend to the end, Valentino.”

“You’re the first guy I’ve brought to meet my parents.” Valentino is blushing, definitely not sun-kissed cheeks. “Hopefully I’m not the last, Orion.”

I’ll keep standing tall for my parents, and living the kind of life they would’ve loved to have watched me live.

“Of course. This world will have a Vale Prince, even if I got to name my kid that.”

“Thank you for giving me a glimpse into the life I moved here for. It’s not going to be a long life, but I’m getting to live it because of you.”

“After the operation, you’re going to have more time. Please use it wisely so you’re not trying to squeeze in everything in one day. Write the longest novel ever. Look for love. Start your family.”

I like how his O flows into mine, as if he’s passing it on along with his heart. I’ll take every letter and kiss and breath from him before it’s time to live without him.

I lean in and whisper the words I should’ve said when I knew he could’ve heard me, and then I kiss him for the last time.

Valentino will live in me for the rest of my life.

Scarlett doesn’t have to carry her brother’s heart for him to forever live in hers.

It’s easy to say the timing was bad, but it could have been a lot worse, right? I could have never known you, Orion.”

“This heart isn’t my heart or your heart. It’s our heart. I love you, Orion. Live enough for the both of us.”

I hold my favorite ValentinOrion pictures to my heart. His heart. Our heart.