Carmela pressed her hands against Max's wound, trying to stop the bleeding. Tears streamed down her face as she begged Max to stay with her.

"Please, please don't do this to me," she sobbed. "I need you. I love you."

But Max just smiled, blood bubbling up from his mouth. "You're too late," he said, his voice weak. "I love you too, but I can't stay. I'm sorry."

"Please don't talk like that," Carmela pleaded. "Please don't give up. Just stay with me. I'm here. I'm right here with you."

She ...