They seem like pretty words, something you say to comfort someone who lost the person closest to them. But Scarlett is choosing to trust this stranger. Valentino did the same, and it worked out in all the ways that matter. Besides, it’s not as if she really sees herself staying in this haunted house with her parents who drove Valentino away.

She will brave New York to honor Valentino’s spirit, not treating it as the city where he died, and instead remembering it as the new home where he lived.

There’s a flicker of flame in her hollow chest, like hope heating within, like the fires of a phoenix that will be reborn.

Her life is changing—has changed—and she will need a fresh start to get through her grief, to completely reimagine a future without her twin brother.

But she’ll never forget him.

Scarlett doesn’t have to carry her brother’s heart for him to forever live in hers.

Gloria Dario

3:04 a.m.

Death-Cast did not call Gloria Dario because she isn’t dying today, but Gloria certainly feels dead inside.

Never in a million years did Gloria predict the first End Day would unfold with her husband dying—with her husband being killed by her son. What’s confusing is how Death-Cast didn’t even call Frankie. Yes, Gloria registered Frankie for the service behind his back, but it’s still his phone number that was listed. Why didn’t Death-Cast call? Will these mistakes be prevented in the future? But maybe if Death-Cast had called, Frankie would’ve killed Gloria in an outrage too. He almost did tonight anyway. She’s only alive thanks to her son, but at the cost of his own life, his own future.

In the police station, Gloria holds Pazito close.

While this was an act of self-defense, Gloria is coming to understand that it won’t be that simple. There will be investigations and questionings and the idea of anyone seeing her wonderful son as anything but breaks her heart. What if a court tries taking Pazito away? All because he wanted to save her life? Rolando has been assuring her that won’t happen due to Frankie’s documented abusive history, and Gloria desperately wants to believe him, but when has the criminal justice system been fair? Even if Pazito serves no jail time, what will this do for his soul?

“Mrs. Dario?”

Gloria looks up at the officer. “It’s Ms. Medina.”

She’s reclaiming her maiden name, never taking another man’s, not even one who loves her with his full heart. Gloria must be herself first, and only she can define what that means.

“Ms. Medina, is it possible to speak with Pazito alone? We’d appreciate his cooperation but understand if you’d like to wait for a lawyer.”