Me Before You

Chapter One: The Life Before

Louisa Clark had lived in the same small town for all of her twenty-six years. Her world was small and uncomplicated. She loved the bustle of the Buttered Bun, the café where she worked, and the regulars who frequented it. Though she had never traveled beyond her town’s borders, Louisa was content with her life, her eccentric fashion sense, and her close-knit family. Her world wasn’t grand, but it was comfortable.

Everything changed when the café closed down unexpectedly, leaving Louisa unemployed. Jobs in her town were scarce, and after weeks of searching, she grew desperate. Her family depended on her wages to make ends meet, and she couldn't afford to be without a job for long. As a last resort, she went to the local job center, where a peculiar listing caught her eye—a caregiver for a disabled man. No experience required. The position paid well, and Louisa had little choice but to apply.

Chapter Two: Enter Will Traynor

Will Traynor had once been a man of adventure. He thrived on the thrills of life—extreme sports, corporate takeovers, high-end parties in distant lands. He had lived a life that most could only dream of until a motorcycle accident left him quadriplegic. Confined to a wheelchair, unable to do even the simplest of tasks for himself, Will’s life had become a shadow of what it once was. He resented the world, and most of all, he resented himself. He had lost everything that had once made him feel alive, and he had no intention of finding joy in his current state.

When Louisa arrived for her first day of work, she was unsure of what to expect. She had never been a caregiver before, and Will was unlike anyone she had ever met. His sarcasm and bitterness were walls he built around himself, and Louisa could feel the coldness of his presence. Will made it clear he didn’t want her there. His life, once so full of adventure, had no room for someone like Louisa Clark.

But Louisa was not one to give up easily. Though Will’s cutting remarks and distant demeanor made her job difficult, she slowly began to break through his defenses. She showed up every day with her bright outfits, her quirky stories, and her unwavering patience. At first, Will scoffed at her attempts to make small talk, but over time, something began to change. He found himself looking forward to her arrival, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

Chapter Three: A Life Reimagined

The weeks turned into months, and as the weather warmed, Louisa found herself growing fond of Will. She saw past his anger and pain to the man beneath it all—a man who still had sharp wit, intelligence, and a deep sense of humor. Will, in turn, began to see Louisa not as his caregiver but as a person who brought light into his otherwise dark world.

It was during one of their daily conversations that Will learned Louisa had no real ambitions in life. She had spent her whole life in her small town, content with the same routine. Will, who had once traveled the world, couldn’t understand how someone could be so complacent. He began to challenge her to think beyond the boundaries of her small town. He encouraged her to go after the things she had never allowed herself to dream about.

At first, Louisa resisted. She had never been someone with big dreams or plans, and the thought of leaving her family behind filled her with anxiety. But slowly, she began to realize that Will was right. There was a whole world out there waiting for her, and she had spent too long holding herself back.

In return, Louisa encouraged Will to find joy in his life again. She refused to believe that his life was over just because he was in a wheelchair. She planned trips for him, outings to the countryside, and even persuaded him to attend a concert—something Will hadn’t done since his accident. Though he was reluctant at first, Will found himself enjoying these moments more than he had expected.

Chapter Four: The Unspoken Truth

But beneath the growing connection between Louisa and Will lay a difficult truth. Will’s condition was irreversible. Though Louisa was doing everything she could to make his life better, Will had made a decision long before she arrived. He had already planned to end his life through assisted suicide at a clinic in Switzerland. It was something he had discussed with his family, and though they didn’t agree with his choice, they had reluctantly accepted it.

When Louisa learned of Will’s plan, she was devastated. She couldn’t understand why someone with so much to live for would choose to end their life. She refused to accept it and vowed to change his mind. Louisa threw herself into planning new activities, trips, and adventures, hoping that by showing Will all the beauty life still had to offer, she could make him see that his life was still worth living.

Will, however, was resolute in his decision. He appreciated everything Louisa had done for him, and in many ways, she had brought joy back into his life. But he couldn’t live with the knowledge that he would never be able to live the life he once had. The pain of his situation was too much to bear, and he believed that ending his life was the only way to regain control.

Chapter Five: A Heartbreaking Choice

As the date of Will’s appointment in Switzerland approached, the tension between him and Louisa grew. She had fallen in love with him, and though she had never expected it, Will had fallen in love with her too. But love, as Louisa was beginning to realize, wasn’t always enough.

The day came when Louisa accompanied Will and his family to Switzerland. Though her heart was breaking, she understood that this was Will’s choice. She had tried everything to make him change his mind, but in the end, she had to respect his decision.

In their final moments together, Will told Louisa how much she had changed his life. Though his choice to die remained the same, he wanted her to know that she had given him something he hadn’t felt in a long time—hope. Not for himself, but for her. He wanted her to live the life she deserved, to chase her dreams, and to never settle for anything less than the happiness she deserved.

Louisa held Will’s hand as he took his last breath, tears streaming down her face. It was the hardest thing she had ever done, but in that moment, she understood that Will had found peace. His suffering was over, and though she would never forget him, she knew that she had to honor his memory by living the life he had wanted for her.

Chapter Six: Moving Forward

After Will’s death, Louisa struggled to find her way. The pain of losing him was overwhelming, but she knew that she couldn’t let his death be in vain. She remembered the conversations they had shared about her future, and she knew that Will had been right—there was so much more to life than she had ever imagined.

With the money Will had left her, Louisa finally did the things she had always been too afraid to do. She traveled, she went back to school, and she pursued her passions. She knew that she would always carry Will with her, and though he was gone, his influence on her life remained strong.

In the end, Louisa Clark became more than she had ever imagined. She found strength in herself that she never knew existed, and she learned that even the greatest losses can lead to new beginnings. Will Traynor had changed her life in ways she could never have anticipated, and though their time together had been short, it had been enough to change her forever.

Conclusion

Life is full of unexpected turns, and sometimes the people we meet leave an indelible mark on our hearts. Louisa and Will's story is one of love, loss, and the courage to move forward, even when the path seems impossible. Though Will is gone, his legacy lives on through the life Louisa chooses to live, a life that is richer and fuller because of the man who taught her that there is always more to life than what we can see.