𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 - 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘱𝘯

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘟

𝐉𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊 𝐀𝐑𝐂

𝐓𝐄𝐍
___________

The memory of witnessing Aether's harvest has left an unshakable feeling of hollowness within you that persists even after the passage of time. Months gone by, feeling like an eternity of grief and weariness. However, you came to terms with it all eventually. Until now.

You approach your mom's office and step inside without hesitation, not taking the time to knock and announce your arrival before entering.

As you approach her cluttered desk, mom looks up from the papers that are scattered in front of her. She lets out a small sigh, then returns her focus back down to the documents in front of her. "I know why you're here. You want me to replace Norman, is that right?

You gaze at her with a mix of resentment and anguish. "I am begging you." you exclaim. "Please, ship me out instead."

Mom somberly puts down the documents and coldly retorts, "There can be no more negotiations. You know that all too well." Her words hang heavily in the air. "You betrayed me."

"After everything I've done for you?" you exclaim, your voice rising as you take a step closer, your arms gesturing in frustration. "We had an agreement, one that you're now ignoring!"

"Our deal was that you'd be my eyes and ears, and in return, I'd keep you breathing." Her eyes narrow into a glare.

You scoff dismissively, your head shaking slightly as you cross your arms in defiance. "That was not our agreement." you correct her firmly, standing your ground.

"Oh, but it most certainly was." Mom sternly corrects, picking up her paperwork as she does so. "I have orders to immediately ship out any child who's aware of the harvest, but in your case, our agreement allowed me to spare your life."  She begins leafing through the documents, her focus seemingly shifting away from the conversation.

"Mom, please!" You plead urgently, your voice raised and heart racing. "Can't you see? This is all the more reason for me to go instead!" You slam your hands onto her desk, causing a lamp to rattle and pens to roll off the surface. Leaning in, your eyes pierce at her.

Mom lifts her gaze to meet yours, her face an unreadable mask. The room plunges into stillness as the two of you lock eyes, neither flinching. Time seems to stretch as you wait for her response, your heart thudding in anticipation. Finally, she breaks the quiet, her words carrying immense weight.

"No."

In a fit of rage, you sweep the pile of documents off her desk, causing them to scatter everywhere.

Mom swiftly rises from her seat and strikes you across the face, leaving a throbbing sensation and disbelief etched on your face. You reflexively clutch your cheek where her hand made contact as you raise your eyes to meet her enraged gaze.

She seems to be in shock herself that she did it, but she doesn't apologize. She doesn't regret it.

You quietly turn away, leaving her office without saying another word.

Saving Norman seems impossible now. Maybe it was a bad decision to help them escape, but you had hope that Norman and Emma could succeed where you and Ray couldn't. Being a spy for them turned out to be a huge mistake.

You drag yourself down the hallway towards the infirmary room where Emma is staying. As you approach the door, you can feel your heart pounding in your chest.

You reach the door and take a deep breath before gently pushing it open. The creaking sound fills the room, and all eyes instantly snap to you.

You enter the room and shut the door gently behind you as you make your way towards Emma's bed. "How's your leg doing?"