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Lone man sat next to you in the dandelion field. Curling his fingers on the soil, he took a deep breath, letting the warm wind tousle his hair. You placed your hand over his. He smiled at you, revealing a dimple on his right cheek.

“I’ve always dreamt of this,” he said. “Warmth on my skin, a blinding light above me,” he chuckled. “Well, you are a surprise. Being with you is better than being alone at this moment. May I?” Lone man pointed at your shoulder and said, “I feel very tired.”

Lone man rested his head on your shoulder. He smells like sunshine with a tinge of sweetness. You felt him shudder. He started buttoning his coat with his trembling hands.

“About the flowers,” Lone man said as he struggled with his buttons. “Please leave them to me. I don’t want to leave you with a piece of me. I want you to forget and move on with your life.”

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“I can’t do that,” you replied.

Lone man glanced at you. He smiled at you, despite the sadness in his eyes. “Of course you can. I’m getting sleepy and tired. It must be because of…”

He trailed off and fell on your lap. He looked up, tried to get up, but failed. “I’m sorry, can I stay here?”

You nodded.

“Thank you,” he mumbled. “I’m glad you stayed with me. I never told you about it but, it broke my heart every time I told you to leave the forest,” he chuckled. “I know it’s for your own safety, but this tiny part of my heart that was so selfish was screaming for you not to leave me. Just when I thought I was okay with being left alone, you came along and proved me wrong. Thank you for everything. Thank you for staying with me.”

You can’t see Lone man’s face, but maybe that’s for the better. You caressed his hair slowly with your fingertips.

“It’s a nice sunny day,” Lone man mumbled. “I want to stay like this with you… for a bit longer." His body shuddered. “I don’t think I want to leave just yet…”

In the dandelion field in your arms, you felt Lone man’s breathing become shallow until he finally drew his last breath.

———

Epilogue (Lone Man Route)