𝓐𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝔁 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 (but you're Ashlyn) 𝕊𝔹𝔾

Episode 31

>>>><Dun Dun Duuuun><<<<

The phantoms, as we learned, only lost their shape in the light. While it didn't destroy them, the light caused them to take on a formless state. No matter how hard we tried to avoid it, the light attracted even more creatures, showcasing just how many were lurking nearby.

I rubbed my temples, feeling drained. "Alright, let's revisit the plan one more time." I crossed my arms, seeking comfort.

"Um..." Taylor hesitated, looking down. "Are we, uh-sure we want to do this?"

My head snapped toward her. "What?"

"Maybe staying here in the graveyard wouldn't be so bad," she stammered. "With the lights on, couldn't we just hide until morning?" Logan nodded in agreement. "I-I like that idea."

I blinked in disbelief. "Are you serious? I thought we wanted to escape. Are you okay with being trapped here forever?"

Tyler, unusually quiet, finally spoke. "That was before we knew about the lights and the horde outside! I'm not saying to stop looking for a way out-just maybe not this plan. Do we even need guns?"

"And you bring this up now?" Frustration boiled over. "After all the prep and just before we act, you want to back out?"

"There's way too many out there!" Tyler retorted.

"That's why we have the traps!" I snapped, tension thick in the air.

"No. No! I'm getting that Jeep," I declared, trembling with resolve. "Even if we don't need guns, we have to figure this place out to find our escape. That's what we agreed on!"

Aiden cautiously intervened, "Hey, Ash... maybe you should-"

"Don't tell me what I should do!" I interjected, my voice cracking. "If you hadn't been so pushy, none of this would have happened. I'm tired of you testing my limits!"

The anger I unleashed was an attempt to regain control, but it only drove my friends away-the very people I needed by my side. I had a responsibility to lead and protect them, yet I let my frustrations cloud my judgment.

A wave of guilt washed over me. I didn't want a burdening friendship; I just wanted solitude. Aiden's relentless need to connect felt overwhelming.

"Why are you so worked up?" Tyler asked.

"Because we're ready now, and if I let us wait and something goes wrong, it's on me as the leader!" My voice carried a mix of fear and frustration. "I've recognized those monsters all my life. This began with the phantom grabbing me, and I didn't say anything. I'm just as scared as all of you, but I need to take responsibility and find a way out!"

I gasped for breath, drained. My rage had taken control, and now I felt like I had failed them.

Taylor broke the silence. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much pressure you're under. You're right... I don't want to be here forever. ​We need to face the phantoms and act if we want to get back to our normal lives.​ I'm sorry for doubting you."

Logan added, "I think there are too many out there, but it might be our best option. They'll just grow in number."

Aiden and Ben nodded, with Ben giving a thumbs-up. "If you all don't hurry, I might jump the wall myself," Aiden joked, and I let out a small chuckle.

Taylor smiled nervously. "We're okay now, Ashlyn. Don't feel guilty for tough decisions or feeling overwhelmed. We're all in this together, and your leadership has guided us. Just trust us and share your thoughts."

As the conversation faded, I felt relief wash over me. One problem had been cleared, allowing us to move forward with a unified plan.

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