Chapter 16

Even though I knew Shawn would cry the next morning, I still chose to leave. I couldn't stay by his side forever, so helping him learn to accept my absence was the kinder ending. After leaving Ian's house, I made my way to the cemetery. Before moving to this city, I had brought one of Iris' keepsakes with me and arranged for a tombstone to be placed here in her memory. The groundskeeper was so startled at the sight of me that he clutched his chest, catching his breath before finally saying, "What are you doing here so late? It's the middle of the night! Aren't you scared?" I smiled faintly. "Not at all. I'd be happy if she became a ghost just to visit me. Why would I be afraid?” After bidding him goodbye, I walked toward Iris' grave. I gently placed the fresh flowers I had just bought from the florist in front of her tombstone. "Iris, do you miss me?" I asked with a smile. But the one who used to smile back and answer me was no longer here. As I reached out to softly touch th