magain!
Chapter 7
After Seth left, et sat by the window, cradling Lenny’s feless body, her gaze distant and hollow.
Nurman entered, his expression dark. “Lenny’s death had nothing to do with Ris. Why did you take it out on her? Now she’s crying because she hurt her right foot. Go apologize to hernout
Juliet said nothin
Noman gripped herchin. “Jullet, did you hear me? Go say you’re sorry to Bis, or else.”
Herface was impassives, “Or else you’ll throw me out? Fine, I’ll leave now.”
Norman frowned, unsettled by the emptiness in her eyes.
It’s walked in, saying, “Norman, Julie’s grieving. Don’t force her to apologize. I’m line”
“You’re hurt, Rix. You should be resting, not walking around. You’ll just make your foot worse.” Norman said, his voice thick with concern.
He stooped her up and gently placed her on the bed. Crouching down, be examined her ankle before calling. “Hey, someone bring me the anti–swelling spew!”
The commotion in the room grated on Juliet’s nerves.
She stroked Lenny’s fur, her voice icy. “I’m sorry, Ms. Roth. It was my fault carlier. Now, could you all please leave? My cat is a light sleeper and needs quiet
Norman’s eyes widened in shock at her words. Izis, too, looked uneasy
She murmured, “Norman, jubet doesn’t seem alright. Maybe you should find someone else to fill in for her at the concert the day after tomorrow-
“Stop pretending, his. I’ll keep my promise and go to the concert in your place to die. Now, can you leave?” Juliet grabbed a mug from beside her and throw it in their direction.”
ཡ ཡུན ཟ
Juliet’s frenzied outburst startled Norman. He stepped back, careful not to agitate her further.
th sorrow. The melody stirred something deep within him,
As hereached the doorway, be paused, watching as she held Lenny close and began to sing a lullaby, her voice thick with and his eyes grew moist.
After a passe, Norman said, “Juliet, I’ll go with you to the cemetery to bury Lanny tomorrow.”
“You don’t deserve to be there to say goodbye to him,” juliet shot back, her face contected with disgust
Herexpression sent a sharp jolt of unease through Norman’s chest. But in the next moment, he reassured himself Juliet loved him. She’d come around in a few days.
After a brief silence, he said, “Try to get some rest.”
The following day, Juliet prepared to take Lenny to the funeral home.
Norman emerged from the kitchen holding a plate of steak, an apron tied around his waist.
As juliet brushed past him, he let cut a startled cry. “Juliet, your hair…”
She turned to the mirror on the living room wall and saw a stark streak of white at her left temple, glaringly out of place.
Still, she kept walking toward the door, indiferent. “I’ve only got two days left to live. What’s the point of worrying about the color of my hair?”
Norman fched at her words, though he couldn’t quite explain why they hit him so hard. Its as if she’d already given up on everything.
He couldn’t bring himself to dwell on the thought and quickly caught up to her. “I’ll go with you to the tuneral home.”
But just then, Iris let out a pained groan,
Norman’s expression shifted, jud be timed back to her.“Iris, is your foot still bothering you?”
iris offered a gentle simule “My foot’s still a bit swollen, but it’s nothing serious. I’ll head to the hospital later. You should go with Juliet to the busseral home.”
Numman hesitated for agnoment before scooping her up into his arms. “I’m taking you to the hospitalTM
Juliet hadn’t gone far she watched as Norman’s car sped away. Through the window, she caught is suing snugly at her.
She listened to the phone recording from the protinus night in adence, then uploaded it to her email for safekeeping
Even if abe wer to die the day alter tomorrow, she was resolved to expose lais‘ crimes to the world before her time was up.
After laying Lanayto resi, Jubai made a special irip to visit her mentor, Irving Lastly, who held a significant place in her life. He wasn’t just her professor, he was also the vocal expened by Walsh Drop
She handed him her latest composition, raget for his feedback.
inong’s tace brightened with approval. “Your plece, “Yeats Gone By“, has a gorgeous melody and so much emotion. I’ve got a strong feeling about this one. It could really make wwwes I’ll get in touch silne record label tomorrow and see about getting it released.”
juliet thanked him, her heart swelling, with gratitude
With a smile, Irving said, “Out of all the students in your class, I’ve always field the highest hopes for you and fats. Keep pushing forward, and who knows? You might catch up to fari sutturday.”
Jullet bid him farewelland made her way to the door, only to run into and Norman as they walked in.
fris looked surprised: “What a coincidence, Joliet You’re here, too? I just finished a new plecy and wanted Professor Lustig’s opinion. Are you here to submit your work as well?
Juliet’s heart sank.
Irving gripped the sheet music in had given him, his expression turning alem. “How is it that both of your compositions are exactly the same? Who’s the teal composer here
Juliet produced her draft papers and answered, “It’s mine. I wrote this piece as a tribute to my mathen.”
“Jäliet, if you loved this song so much, you could’ve just told me I would’ve let you have it. How could you” inis‘ voice broke, train streaming down her face.
Juliet burned to Norman, hoping he’d stand up for her, but he averted his g
gaze.
After a moment of deliberation, he finally said, “Professng Lustig, the original composer is Iris ”
Irving’s face flushedcrimson with rage. He flung the sheet music at Juliet
“I’m utterly disappointed in you, Juliet! I never thought you’d steal someone else’s work! Get out, and don’t you dare tell anyone you were ever my student, Lean’t bear the shamel
juliet was shoved out the door, only to find Iris standing in the hallway, her eyes glinting with satisfaction,
“Juliet, what’s the point of all that musical talent and that gorgeous voice of yours? In the end, every opportunity still lands in my lap. It’s sad to know this is the last song you’l ever compose for me.”
Juliet’s heart dropped “What are you talking about?”
Iris flashed her a sly grin, then turned and walked off. “Figure it out.”
