She shook her head gently. "You are not a burden, Mervick. And I can afford much more than that. Ten thousand a month? I could spend a hundred thousand if it meant keeping you safe."
His eyes widened, disbelief and confusion mixing together. "You… you're serious?"
"Of course," Emily said with a smile. "Because you're worth it."
He hesitated, his small lips trembling. "Then you should… adopt someone who can stay with you longer. I won't live long. My heart… It's weak."
Tears welled in Emily's eyes. She reached out and cupped his cheek softly. "Maybe," she said in a trembling whisper, "that's exactly why I want you with me. Because every moment you live will matter. Because you deserve love... not for how long you live, but for who you are."
For a long, fragile moment, Mervick simply stared at her. Then, slowly, his eyes filled with tears. His small hands clutched her sleeve, hesitant but seeking comfort.
