Chapter 109
It was Always Yours
I knew Lilith was sick.
But another thought sat beside that truth, colder and sharper, and I hated myself for how loud it was.
I can't let this ceremony fail.
The idea kept circling, beating in my chest until it matched my heartbeat. My mother had poured herself into this house for three straight days; scrubbing, arranging, rehearsing every movement like prayer. Somewhere across the city, Dafa had done the same in his own way, I guessed. Walking from shop to shop. Choosing. Paying attention. Carrying the weight of intention in his hands.
All of that effort couldn't end like this.
Not with a cancellation.
Not with the word illness whispered like an excuse.
Because people wouldn't hear "fever."
They would hear failure.
