Chapter 36 Framed

"Gale..." Sally's eyes were blurred with tears. She and Gale had met too late. If she had met Gale earlier, would the ending have been different? Seeing Sally's hesitation, Gale felt deeply disappointed, but he didn't want to force her to accept him. He stood up, placed the bouquet in Sally's arms, and stepped forward to kiss her on the forehead. Sally's eyes widened. She wanted to step back, but Gale grabbed her hand. "Don't avoid me, okay? It's alright if you can't accept this now. We have plenty of time ahead," Gale said with deep emotion. Sally took a painful step back, "No! Gale! I can't accept you!" Gale looked at her in confusion. Sally sighed and said, "We have no future. I'm seriously ill and probably won't live much longer." Gale was in disbelief, "What? Sally, what nonsense are you talking about?" "It's true..." Sally finally broke down in tears, "Gale, I'm sorry I never told you. I have a severe illness and don't have much time left." Gale was utterly shocked. H