“Cough, cough…” The effects of the drug finally wore off, and Amber awakened groggily, utterly bewildered by her surroundings.
A toilet? Smoke? And beside her, Landon holding her…?
Before her mind could fully clear, Landon seized her, shaking her vigorously while calling out, "Amber? You're not dead? You, this…"
"Who said I was dead?" Amber retorted instinctively, only realizing something was off a moment later.
It was hot.
Intense heat, thick smoke, yet she was alive.
Instantly comprehending the situation, Amber, her strength replenished, flipped up and grabbed the doorknob.
Not too hot yet.
Prepared to dash out, she noticed Landon struggling to stand, looking at her weakly.
In her condition, Amber might make it out.
But he probably wouldn't.
He blamed himself for being foolish enough to believe Penelope's lies. Death would be his due.
Yet Amber had to survive.
"Can you still walk?" Amber glanced at Landon.
He nodded. "Don't worry. I'll cover your back."
Amber, perceptive as ever, saw straight through Landon's facade of weakness. There was no way she'd let him lag behind.
Not giving him a chance to argue, she pushed him forward, and he had no choice but to tough it out.
Outside, visibility was zero.
Fire had reached the beds, hinting at the dire conditions outside.
Left with no other option, Landon clutched his nose and mouth, pinching himself, reminding himself not to collapse.
His death wouldn't matter, but if Amber were to try and save him, delaying her escape… he refused to be her burden!
The heat was unbearable, Amber feeling like she was melting, yet Landon persisted ahead of her. She thought that if not for her, he would have escaped long ago.
This realization fortified her resolve. She mustn't falter, or she would endanger Landon!
Together, they became each other's beliefs, clinging to hope amidst the chaos.
The exit was in sight.
Safety lay just beyond that door.
Then, from above, a piece of debris came crashing down.
Landon heard it and knew the danger. Falling here meant Amber wouldn't make it out either!
Without hesitation, he spun around, scooped up Amber, and hurled her towards the exit—Just as he was struck down, trapped.
This must be fate, Landon thought as he closed his eyes for the last time.
Amber's terrified face faded from view.
"Amber, live well…"
And then, his eyes closed forever.
In that moment of being flung out, Amber chose to forgive Landon.
She tried to speak, but no sound emerged, watching helplessly as Landon's eyes slowly closed amidst the flames.
Landon, I forgive you.
She whispered in her heart.
But he would never hear it.
