The small voice echoed again.
"Help me…"
Meera didn't hesitate.
"I'm here," she said firmly.
The shadow tightened around the girl.
Like it didn't want to let go.
"You promised…" it whispered.
Meera shook her head.
"I promised her… not you."
The room grew colder.
The lights flickered violently.
I stepped closer to Meera.
"We don't have much time," I whispered.
The girl extended her hand again.
This time—
She looked directly at Meera.
"Don't leave…" she said softly.
Tears rolled down Meera's face.
"I won't," she replied.
She slowly reached forward.
The shadow moved suddenly.
Trying to block her.
"No!" it roared.
The windows rattled.
Dust fell from the ceiling.
But Meera didn't stop.
Her fingers touched the girl's hand.
The moment they connected—
Everything froze.
The shadow trembled.
A bright flash filled the room.
Memories rushed in.
Two little girls laughing.
Running in the corridor.
Holding hands.
"Stay together," little Meera said.
"I'm scared," the other girl replied.
"I won't leave you," Meera promised again.
The memory faded.
The shadow weakened.
It stepped back slowly.
"You came…" the girl whispered.
Meera nodded.
"I came to take you with me."
The room started shaking harder.
The shadow stretched one last time.
"You can't leave…" it hissed.
But the girl held Meera's hand tightly.
"I'm not staying anymore," she said.
A soft light surrounded them.
The shadow dissolved.
Piece by piece.
The cold air disappeared.
The room became quiet.
Then—
The girl smiled faintly.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Her figure slowly faded into light.
Meera gasped.
"Wait— don't go!" she said.
The girl looked peaceful.
"I'm not lost anymore."
And she disappeared.
The room returned to normal.
The door behind us slowly opened.
Silence.
Meera stood still.
Tears in her eyes.
"I think… she's free," she whispered.