With a deep sigh Venus got up from the floor. The edge of the mattress was wet from tears and she felt sore all over from kneeling. She leaned over the bed to press the last kiss on Elijah’s forehead and then she pulled the duvet to cover his face. There was no hint of pain left on his face. He slept peacefully now.

While heading to the door and wiping the last tears from her face, Venus walked past a mirror. She barely recognized herself. Her eyes were red and swollen from constant crying and they were full of sorrow. Cheeks were patterned by dried tears. A bird could’ve made a nest in her hair. She had dark circles under her eyes. She had slept for a few hours during these past few days she had watched over Elijah and tried to care for his wounds. Yesterday evening it had become apparent that she could not help. But she couldn’t go to the doctors either. The doctors wouldn’t care about the likes of her and Elijah. She had tried so hard to make him better. She had tried all the spells she knew, all the potions she could make and had tried to find more ways from all the books Elijah had. But nothing had worked, and Elijah had accepted it before Venus. Maybe he had known from the start what would happen.

“Maybe it’s just my time to go,” he had said while holding Venus’ hands in his. Candlelight had cast soft glow on his tired face. “You’ve done everything you could. Don’t blame yourself,” he had said and then wiped a tear from her cheek.

“There has to be something I can do,” Venus had whispered.

“There is something,” Elijah had said. After that he had paused for a while closing his eyes. “Could you take care of the bookstore for me? I know you love this place as much as I do.”

Venus broke down in tears. “Y...yes, of course,” she replied. Elijah smiled.

“Thank you.” After that he had fallen asleep with the smile still on his face. And he didn’t wake up from that sleep anymore.

Venus looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was crying again. A faint warm touch on her face made her close her eyes. For few moments the warmth surrounded her and then it was gone. Venus was crying more than ever but now there was a soft smile on her face.