478 Shared feelings

No. Not Paulina too.

Through tear-filled eyes, Alicia pleaded weakly, "Please... you've been with me through everything. Help... help me..." She closed her eyes, seeking strength, before continuing, her voice tired, "...take care of the child when I'm gone."

Paulina's heart shattered at Alicia's request, tears streaming down her cheeks as she replied, "I... cannot do it." Her voice quivered with emotion, shaking her head as she added, "I won't do it."

"P-Paulina..."

"I have lost too many people I cared for!" Paulina cried loudly. 

"My family! Queen Anne! I don't want to go through it again. I can't bear to go through that pain over and over again. I won't care for the child if you're not here. I won't live if you are not here!"