Her Daughter's Last Gift

[Filming Log: 2024-09-01]

"Charlotte, it's your birthday. Got a wish?"

Camera locked on the hospital room door.

I stepped out.

Yellow dress, curly brown wig.

"Elayne, let's hit the amusement park."

I popped some painkillers on the low.

Elayne saw. Didn't say a word—just turned away and wiped her eyes.

On the carousel, I threw up a peace sign.

Elayne aimed her phone. "Look here—smile. That's it, gorgeous."

When the ride stopped, my legs quit on me. I hit the ground.

Painkillers wore off.

Back at the hospital, I got an injection ASAP.

That night, I posted one of Elayne's pics.

Camera zoomed in on my screen.

A minute later, Dad liked it. Dropped a comment:

[Happy birthday, sweetheart. You've lost weight. Make sure you're eating well.]

Two minutes later, Mom sent me $300. Double last month.

I wiped my face, tears hitting the screen.

Blew out the candles.

"Please let Mom and Dad always stay healthy and happy."

[Filming Log: 2024-10-06]

"Charlotte!"

Elayne rushed in, panic in her voice.

I was curled up under the blanket, shaking. Couldn't stop crying.

She rested a hand on my head. "You okay?"

I didn't move. Just stayed there until I finally peeked out.

Swollen eyes. Tear-streaked face.

"My dad's gone, Elayne."

She looked at me, heartbroken. "Charlotte..."

I wiped my face and forced myself up. "I need to see him. One last time."

Cut to the funeral hall.

Elayne arranged for someone to keep Mom away while I approached with a bouquet of flowers.

I stepped up to the casket, placed the bouquet gently on top, and rested my hand on the lid.

Head down, I whispered a quiet goodbye.

No one noticed.

Until I was climbing into the car.

"Charlotte?"

Mom's voice.

I froze. Didn't look back. Just told the driver, "Go."

In the side mirror, I saw her run a few steps... then stop.

She just stood there, stunned. Eyes full of disappointment.

My phone buzzed—Mom.

Hands shaking, I declined the call.

Eyes shut, tears falling.

"I'm sorry, Mom."

[Filming Log: 2024-12-10]

Round three of chemo wrecked me.

Elayne sat nearby, reading off names of leukemia survivors.

I cut in. "Elayne, take my picture."

She blinked. "What?"

"While I still look like me. Let's shoot the one they'll use after I'm gone."

Her voice cracked. "Don't say that."

I gave a weak smile. "Just make sure I look good."

We got to it.

I threw on my wig, changed into fresh clothes.

Took me a whole hour.

I sat against a plain white wall and gave the camera my biggest smile.

Elayne's hands were shaking. Her eyes were red. First ten shots? All blurry.

I frowned. "These are terrible."

She sniffled. "You promised you'd fight. If not, I'm using these hideous ones."

I cracked up. "Fine, fine. Just make sure I look cute."

Right then, a flock of birds flew past the window, chirping like crazy.

Elayne refocused, aimed at my face.

Click.

That smile? Locked in forever.

"Doctor! Somebody help!"

Everything went loud, then muffled.

Elayne dropped the camera and bolted toward me.

The ceiling spun. I stared up, blinking slow.

"I'm sorry, Mom. Dad... I'm coming."