In the aftermath of sparing Abby's life, Ellie grapples with the burdens of her past while facing isolation and ostracism in the Jackson community due to her immunity to the cordyceps infection. Her world has turned upside down and complicated until...
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The storm raged outside, torrential rain hammering against the windows, drowning out all other sounds. It was unyielding, mirroring the quiet strain between the two women standing in the dim, secluded space. Abby had picked this spot with purpose — secluded, soundproof, and ideal for a private conversation. Beneath a pile of worn-out books on a dusty desk, a small recording device blinked red, silently capturing every word.
Ellie slipped inside, her body rigid, eyes piercing as she scanned the room, ready to catch any hint of deceit. She couldn't guess what Abby wanted to say but doubted it was anything she'd like to hear. Abby adjusted her posture, appearing calm and casual, though a focused intensity burned in her gaze. She had learned from the past — she couldn't force Ellie into this. She had to make her see the logic and necessity. "Thanks for coming," Abby started, her voice low, just enough to be heard over the storm. "I know you don't want to be here, but we've got to talk about Joyce".
Ellie's eyes narrowed, her voice blunt and cold. "If you're here to talk about leading her to the Fireflies, save it. I've seen what you people do to the 'special' ones, and I'm not letting her get sacrificed on your altar".
Abby lifted her hands with a steady resolve, more a show of control than an attempt at peace. "Look, I'm not asking you to turn on her," she answered, carefully considering each word. "But we both know the cost if we don't act. How many more have to die before we finally start making choices that matter?"
Ellie's shoulders squared, her voice biting as she locked eyes with Abby. "This is just another version of Marlene's plan, isn't it?" she bit out, each word dripping with bitterness. "You think I don't know how this ends? I remember how the Fireflies wanted to carve up my brain like it was nothing, and now you want to do the same to her".
Abby stepped closer, her eyes fierce, cutting through any distance between them. "I'm not Marlene, and I won't lie — this is one messed-up situation. But you get it, don't you, Ellie? You've been in her shoes — you know what it's like to be the one who could save lives, even if it means throwing yourself on the line". She let the words settle before leaning in even closer. "Joyce could end this, or at least give us hope. Are we just gonna let that go because we don't like the price?"
Ellie's mouth tightened, the storm outside matching the turmoil inside her. She hated the way Abby's words made sense, the way they clawed at her conscience. "You think I don't understand? I do. But that doesn't mean I'll just lie to her. I won't let her feel safe, only to pull the rug out from under her when she's vulnerable". Her voice was thick with emotion, defiance burning in her gaze.
Abby's expression softened, but there was a hard edge beneath it, a determination that wouldn't bend. "Ellie, I'm not asking you to lie or give her a false sense of safety. I'm telling you to be real — with her and yourself". She took a breath, choosing her following words carefully. "You care about Joyce because she's like you — immune, bearing that same burden. But protecting her doesn't mean keeping her in the dark. Sometimes, you've got to let her make her own choices, even if it scares you".
