Work Text:
Alessa’s body screamed in agony. She was dying; finally dying. If it didn’t hurt so much, she would find this satisfying.
The light at the end of the tunnel glowed in the distance. That was for Harry, for Cybil, but not for her. Never for her. With the last remnants of her strength, she pooled together the traces of Cheryl’s desperate wish to live-- transformed into a swaddled infant. Vaguely, she recognized it as another version of her.
Weakly, her lower body going numb, she held the baby to Harry. The only person who showed her kindness. If Alessa were to get another chance, another life, she would entrust it to Harry.
She spoke gently, her last words: “Don’t stop running until you see the light.” Wordlessly, Harry nodded, face grim and eyes slowly filling with tears. Nothing could ever replace Cheryl, Alessa realizes. This is why he was the only choice. Abundance of love. The one thing she ever wanted. The infant cooed in his arms, unaware of the mayhem around. Such innocence. Had Alessa once been like that?
Heat swelled around her as Harry and Cybil ran towards the light, baby in tow.
Alessa always hated the heat.