Me Without You (34 page)
I
’ve spent
a few months here, beside the ocean, amongst the foliage. From the moment we broke up until the moment I opened that door and saw the plants, I was craving peace, and although I will miss Lilah until I die, it’s time to move on.
Behind me now, there are boxes and bags and all kinds of finalities. I’m done with this apartment for now. Lilah was somehow here with me for this time while I grieved her; I saw her every day in the garden on the balcony, and I soaked that essence in so that I could take it with me on the road.
If Lilah can live on, then—
hell
—so can I. It’s time to embrace the world.
The movers come tomorrow, to take our shared things into storage, and a tenant will move in here soon. But for me, tomorrow I will go to a hotel near the airport, for a night in with room service and some scotch. Will flies in tomorrow, and then we will both head to Paris together, for a few weeks with Ed and Suzette and their beautiful new baby boy.
Beyond that, the entire world awaits us. I have income from Lilah’s apartment and more than enough cash to sustain me while I explore the four corners of the earth.
It turns out Will is a lot more like me than I ever realised, and he’s joining me for a year while we globe-hop. He wants adventure; I just want to live. I’m going to take every opportunity life throws at me and not waste a single moment.
If Lilah taught me one thing, it is that calamity could be hovering around any corner—but the timing of its arrival cannot be known, and the very same can be said for love. I’ll find it again—I know I will—she will lead me to it with that stubborn, dogged determination that defined her entire life and death.
There is love that forms the pillars of a lifetime, and there is love that forms the foundations of a lifetime. My relationship with Lilah showed me all of the possibilities of living life awake. It’s up to me now to do that in her honour.
T
hank
you so much for reading
Me Without You
. I sincerely hope Callum and Lilah’s journey entertained, moved and inspired you.
W
hile Lilah’s
scenario is entirely fictional, Huntington’s Disease is unfortunately all too real. You can find more information and ways to help via your national Huntington’s Disease Association.
I
f you enjoyed this book
, I’d be so grateful if you’d write a review
. I love getting feedback and your review can help other readers find my books.
F
inally
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