RESIDENT EVIL • Assignment Ashley: Rescue Condor One (RE4)

The Omen For Death

Time stopped, and I, with it. Seeing Leon after five long years submerged me with a flood of emotions I couldn't process. In that suspended moment, all the memories and feelings from the past came rushing back, leaving me at a loss for words. I felt a lump forming in my throat as we gazed at each other.

In the pool of his eyes, I sensed a familiar concern, just like he used to have. It was as if he was silently asking me, "Are you doing okay?"

The truth was I didn't know. It was overwhelming, yet strangely comforting to be in his presence once more. But I knew I couldn't stay for long. An urgent matter demanded my attention, pulling me away from our brief reunion. As the spell of time broke, I managed to offer him a reassuring nod before reluctantly turning away.

As I weaved through the crowd, I was conscious of his lingering gaze on me. It led me to reflect on the people in my life—him, Claire, and especially my dad—all of them caring for me in their own ways. Their concerns were touching, no doubt. But it was also one of the reasons why I had chosen to move away.

I wished to stand on my own, without the constant protection. I was tired of being a liability, always cushioned and flanked by a group of bodyguards wherever I went. This time, it had to be different. I wanted to be the one to protect my home and the ones I loved.

I placed my hand on the cool surface of the door leading to the ladies bathroom. Disregarding the out of order sign on it, I stepped inside the unoccupied space. As the door behind me shut with a soft click, all the noise from outside dulled instantly. It gave the sense that I had transported to a different dimension, far away from the clamour of speeches and whispers.  

The restroom exuded the same poshness as the rest of the structure, featuring similar cream coloured marble walls and floors, adorned with gold fixtures and crystal chandeliers. The polished countertops boasted a row of sumptuous vanity stations, each decorated with fresh flowers, and stocked with an array of designer products for the guests.

But the best part, by far, was the refreshing scent of cleanliness that enveloped the unused place. Alongside the inviting dim lighting, and the steady, gentle thrum of the air conditioning, it created a soothing atmosphere, offering me a much-needed respite from the swarming ballroom.

As I ventured further into the restroom, my echoing steps fleetingly disturbed the ambience of serenity. I made my way up to the spacious lounging area in the corner, which was fitted with plush velvet couches and ottomans. I made sure to check all the stalls for any sign of intruders before taking a seat. Placing my glass on the antique coffee table, I decided to wait for my inviter there.

What's taking him so long? Wasn't I the one who had to come to him? Why isn't he here?

At that very moment, the bathroom door received two brisk knocks—our predetermined signal—as my friend and partner, Aaron, let himself in with an air of confidence.

"Maintenance staff," he announced in his practiced customer service tone.

"You're late," I chided, unimpressed by his phony display, and rolled my eyes at him.

"Well then, excuse my tardiness," he replied with sarcasm, striding towards me. I noticed that his attire was identical to the rest of the staff working at the event: a black vest, white collared shirt, and polished dress boots. His raven hair, typically fashioned in a casual man bun, was now neatly slicked back in accordance with the dress code. With his bangs out of the way, his ear piercings were on full display.