That humid Poguelandia night clung to you as you sat around a bonfire, the waves a constant lullaby.
It was the eve of your rescue, the end of our island exile after the chaotic hunt for the Cross. Yet, unease lingered.
Beside you sat JJ, your oldest friend, your constant. You’d always loved him, but that night, he confessed his feelings for Kiara to you. It wasn't a shock; they'd been growing closer. You'd never stand in his way. But a deep-seated fear surfaced.
"What if Kiara and i were drowning?" you asked. "Who would you save?" His immediate answer: Kiara. Of course.
Your biggest, unspoken fear was being alone. Sarah and John B were inseparable. JJ was head over heels for Kie. Pope and Cleo were finding their rhythm. You felt like a satellite orbiting their interconnected worlds. Even your parents... Would anyone truly prioritize you?
That fear became reality the now.
Singh's men descended. In the blur of shouts and gunfire, you scrambled to the docks. John B pulled Sarah aboard. Cleo and Pope followed. JJ grabbed Kiara's hand. One moment you were with them, the next you were surrounded, trapped. Panic clawed at your throat. The thought of being left behind, alone, paralyzed you.
The others were on the boat, casting off. Then, JJ’s head snapped up. "She's still there!" he yelled, frantic. "I have to go back!"
Kiara grabbed his arm. "JJ, no! It's too dangerous!" Others argued it was a trap. "We have to save ourselves first," someone shouted.
But JJ wouldn't listen. "She's my family! She's… she's everything!"
He knew your fear, your loneliness.
A gunshot echoed. Everyone ducked. The boat lurched forward. You crumpled, pain exploding in your thigh. JJ’s face was horror as he saw you fall. Your vision blurred. Singh’s men swarmed.
You saw the ship pulling away. 'Please', you thought. 'I don’t want to be alone. I don’t want to die alone.'