THE 30 DAYS Remastered

A Video Tape

Previous Evening

As Andrew was about to take the final step, a strong yet gentle hand grabbed him from behind, pulling him back from the brink. It was Rose, the most beautiful and unassuming athlete at their college. Her timing was perfect, her grip firm as she refused to let him go.

"Andrew, don't do this!" Rose's voice was steady, but he could hear the concern trembling beneath it. Her presence was like a lifeline, anchoring him back to reality.

Andrew's fear of death surged to the surface as he felt her warmth, the reality of what he was about to do sinking in. His legs gave way beneath him, and he collapsed onto the rooftop, Rose still holding on. He began to sob uncontrollably, the tears pouring out as if they'd been waiting for this moment to be released.

Breathless and broken, he clung to Rose as if she were his only tether to the world, the overwhelming tide of emotion washing over him. Through his tears, Andrew looked up at Rose, his voice trembling as he asked, "How did you find me?"

Rose gently squeezed Andrew's hand and replied, "I was already here before you."

Andrew looked at her in confusion, his breath still shaky. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rose sighed, glancing out at the city below them. I was up here trying to clear my head when I saw you." She turned back to him, her expression soft but serious. "I know what it feels like to want to escape, Andrew. But running from it won't make it go away. You have to face it."

Andrew lowered his head, his voice trembling as he said, "But it hurts too much, Rose."

Rose nodded, her eyes full of understanding. "Oh yes, it hurts," she replied softly. "But you have a choice: you can either run from it or learn from it. Pain doesn't have to break you, Andrew. It can make you stronger, wiser. But you have to face it head-on." She paused, then added, "And you don't have to do it alone. We're here with you."

Day 5

There was a knock on the door. Officer Clay opened it, but found nobody outside. From behind, Officer Lucy asked, "Who's there?" Clay replied, "No one. It's just a package."

Clay picked up the package, turning it over in his hands. "A video tape? Just like the old times. Doesn't this all feel like one of those classic old movies? Now we've got another clue, and I don't know... maybe while we watch this, another one of those kids dies."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Lucy's phone rang, cutting through the tense silence. She glanced at the screen—it was a call from the hospital.

"What the...?" Clay muttered, his grip tightening on the tape.

As Officer Lucy picked up her phone, she braced herself for bad news. But to her surprise, it was Ryan on the other end, his voice laced with concern.

"Officer, are you okay?" he asked, the worry evident in his tone.

Lucy exhaled, a small wave of relief washing over her. "Yeah, I'm fine. I thought something happened. What's going on, Ryan?"

"I just wanted to check up on you," Ryan replied. "Things have been... tense lately. I wanted to make sure you're holding up."

Lucy glanced over at Clay, who was still holding the video tape, his expression unreadable. "Thanks, Ryan. I appreciate it. You stay safe too, okay?"

"Yes Mam," Ryan said before ending the call.

Lucy lowered the phone, her mind still racing. Whatever was on that tape, it felt like it was pulling them deeper into a mystery that was far from over. Clay asked Lucy, "Who called you earlier?"