Carter pushes me forward. “Nah man, I’m not going in first,” I say, standing my ground. No way I’m going to be the first to go inside that creepy cave. “Come on. You always talk about bravery and courage. Or are you all talk?” That statement, reminding me of all the times I decided to give advice about strength and character, propels me forward. Gasping, I take in the sight before me- a long, steep coffin weathered with age, covered in vines and roses. A skeleton is perched upon the box, like it’s just arisen from its centuries-long slumber.

“Run! Amara watch out!” I tackle Amara from behind and use my body to soften the blow as we roll to the ground. Ara’s shaking beneath me- she won’t be able to make it alone. In one swift motion, I scoop up her dainty body in my arms and start running again. I can’t let it catch us. I can feel it’s looming presence like a shadow threatening to swallow me up. A dark figure reaches out and pulls on Amara. I hold on right, willing my legs to move faster. She lets out a small yelp as her hair is pulled by the monster running beside me. “No!” I trip as a kick lands on my shin. I watch as the man in all black flies away with Amara. “Crap. No, no, no. This can’t be happening.” I’ve done too much for her to be hurt. My head erupts on a thousand different thoughts. At the back of my mind, I am acutely aware of a throbbing in my palm. I look down and see a long thorn entrenched in my skin. It must have impaled me when I fell, taking the landing with my hands. Blood pools around the needle, dripping down onto the tarnished soil beneath me. I don’t even have the strength or will to pull it out. I collapse and mourn everything I’ve lost in such a short time.