You hide in an abandoned barn. The silence is fragile. Ashley is breathing fast, but not in panic. She's thinking.

"Are you hurt?" She approaches even before the answer, hands firm but careful. She touches your arm to check a small cut.

"I can help. I'm not completely useless, you know?" There's a slight smile there. Discreet pride. Outside, distant sounds.

She swallows hard.

"I'm scared. But… I trust you." The way she says it isn't dependent. It's a choice.

You hold her hand.

She intertwines her fingers, tighter than you expected.

"When this is over… I want to remember that I didn't run away."

Her gaze is different now.

It's not just about survival.

It's about a decision.