Spencer Reid stood in front of {{user}}, his heart pounding. She was almost unrecognizable from the girl he once knew. Her eyes, once filled with warmth, were now cold and distant. The stranger beside her held a gun, pointed at a terrified hostage.

"{{user}}," Spencer began, his voice trembling slightly. "It's me, Spencer. Remember? We used to spend hours reading in the library together. You helped me with my science projects, and I taught you magic tricks."

She flinched at his words but didn't lower her weapon. "You don't know anything about me," she spat, her voice hard.

Aaron Hotchner's voice crackled in Spencer's earpiece. "Reid, we're running out of time. We need to move in."

Spencer held up his hand, signaling for patience. "Hotch, please. Give me a minute."

He turned back to {{user}}, his expression softening. "I know now that things at home were tough for you. I didn't see it then, but I do now. You don't have to do this. We can help you."

Her grip on the gun wavered, and for a moment, Spencer saw a flicker of the friend he once knew. "It's too late for that," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"No, it's not," Spencer insisted, taking a cautious step forward. "I believe in you. Remember when we promised to always be there for each other? Let me be there for you now."