Chapter Text
As the weeks turned into a blur of treatments, Will’s health took a drastic turn for the worse. Each day felt heavier, and the vibrant spark that once filled his eyes dimmed. He found it increasingly difficult to breathe, the simple act of speaking becoming a struggle. Still, he held onto the hope that Stella’s love provided, knowing that she would be there for him, no matter what.
One evening, as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the window, Will prepared for their video call. He wanted to be strong for Stella, to show her that he was fighting, even as his body betrayed him. But as he sat in front of the screen, he felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to gather himself before she appeared.
When Stella’s face filled the screen, he forced a smile. “Hey,” he said, though it came out as a raspy whisper.
“Hey, Will! You look tired,” she said, her brow furrowing with concern.
“Just a long day,” he replied, but even he could hear the weakness in his voice.
“Will, are you okay? You don’t look so good,” she said, worry flooding her eyes.
He wanted to reassure her, to tell her that everything was fine, but the truth was too heavy to carry. “I’m… hanging in there,” he managed, but even he could tell it wasn’t convincing.
As they talked, Will struggled to keep his focus. Every word felt like a monumental effort, and he could see the concern growing on Stella’s face. “Will, please—if you need to rest, it’s okay. You don’t have to push yourself for me.”
“No, I want to be here,” he insisted, but he could feel the darkness creeping in, the edges of his vision blurring. “I just—”
Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit him, and he had to brace himself against the edge of the table. “Stella, I—” The words faltered in his throat as he felt his breathing quicken, a tightness constricting around his chest.
“Will? Will! What’s happening?” Her voice was frantic, and he could see her leaning closer to the screen, desperation etched on her features.
“I don’t know,” he gasped, struggling to draw in air. “I can’t… I can’t breathe.”
“Call a nurse! Get someone!” Stella urged, panic rising in her voice. “Please, Will, stay with me!”
He could feel himself slipping away, the darkness closing in around him. “Stella,” he managed to choke out, tears filling his eyes. “I’m so scared.”
“Don’t be scared, Will. I’m right here. Just hold on, okay?” she cried, her voice trembling.
But the world around him began to fade, the edges blurring until all he could see was Stella’s face, illuminated by the soft glow of the screen. He wanted to reach out, to tell her how much he loved her, how grateful he was for every moment they had shared. But as his body betrayed him, the words became trapped in his throat.
“Stella… I—” His voice was barely a whisper now, and he could feel the weight of the darkness pulling him under. “I love you.”
“Will, no! Please stay with me! I love you too! You can’t leave!” Her voice echoed in his mind, a lifeline in the suffocating darkness.
But as he took one last shuddering breath, the light around him dimmed, and he felt himself slip away, enveloped in a quiet calm.
The screen remained lit, Stella’s face a mix of fear and love, her eyes wide as she cried out for him. But in that final moment, Will knew he had given everything he could. He had fought as hard as he could for her, and now he felt a sense of peace wash over him. It was as if it was waiting for him, waiting to bring him to Poe and everyone else.
And then, everything faded to black.