“I have one last wish.”
A sad smile touched her face.
“I know this will sound strange, but I don’t have much time left. I have spent so many years alone, and I don’t want to leave this world without ever having someone I could call my husband. Will you marry me?”
I knew people would judge me.
I knew they would misunderstand.
But if marrying her could give a kind, lonely woman one final piece of happiness, then I could not bring myself to refuse.
One week later, Gloria and I were married in a quiet hospital room ceremony.
Three days after that, she passed away peacefully.
After the funeral, her lawyer approached me and placed Gloria’s old hospital bag in my arms.
It was the same worn bag she had protected from everyone for years.
Then he looked at me and said quietly,
