Although John unsettled me, something inside me refused to abandon him. We had shared years of closeness, moments that built a bond stronger than simple memory. Even after everything he had become, that connection didn't disappear so easily.
Ashton suddenly went still. He turned toward me, his expression shifting from anger to disbelief. The intensity in his presence faded for a moment, replaced by something quieter, something heavier—like disappointment settling in.
I threw the baton aside without thinking. My vision blurred as tears spilled freely, my control slipping. I dropped to my knees in front of him, my voice breaking as I begged, "Stop… please. He's going to die."
Ashton opened his mouth, but no words came out. His jaw tightened as if he was fighting something within himself.
The sudden sound of footsteps broke the tension.
Mrs. Eriksen rushed out, her breath catching as she took in the scene. "What is going on here? What happened?"
