Joy in the Fire

Epilogue

Edward sat dejectedly just outside his house. Elizabeth watched him for a moment and then sat beside him. He smiled slightly at her.

"What's wrong, Ed?" She asked gently. He sighed. "I ought to have died at least four times in my life, and each time I was spared. Why? What's left in my life? What have I got to do before I die?"

Elizabeth watched him as he spoke, and then looked down at the ground. "Maybe you're just supposed to stay with me."

He glanced at her. "Most of those times you were with me. Why didn't we both die?"

Elizabeth exhaled deeply. "Your aunt and uncle?"

Edward shrugged. Elizabeth frowned and bit her lip. "You were a witness. Elsie too." She creased her forehead. "I...I understand why perhaps Elise..."

"But not Ariana," Edward finished for her. "Because Elsie was an orphan and was incredibly insightful, and Ariana still had her family and was just normal." He nodded. "I wonder that too sometimes. Ariana..." He sighed and turned to Elizabeth with a smile. "The Lord does what the Lord will."

"And sometimes we don't understand it," Elizabeth replied. Edward smiled. "And that's alright." He smiled at Elizabeth and kissed her forehead.