"Angel?" Her voice shook. "Where are you, Angel?"
She turned left and right, but there was nothing. Just endless darkness.
"Angela…"
A whispering voice came from somewhere in the darkness.
"I told you to keep your eyes closed."
What sounded like Angel's voice echoed from far away.
"Close them. Come on. Close them."
"Angel? Is that you? Where are you?"
"I'm here. I'm here. Just close your eyes and this will be over soon."
"Why is it so dark here?" Angela whispered. "It makes me feel so alone…"
"It's okay. Just follow my voice. Listen carefully to where my voice is coming from and walk toward it. Slowly."
"O-Okay… I'm coming…"
"Good. You're getting closer."
"HEY!" Angel's angry voice echoed.
Angela froze.
"What do you think you're doing?" Angel's voice said sharply.
Angela turned.
"Angel? What are you doing here? I thought you were calling me from over there…"
She pointed into the deeper darkness.
"That wasn't me," Angel said from a completely different direction. "You opened your eyes, didn't you?"
"…Yes."
"I told you not to!"
"But you pushed me! When I stepped forward, something pushed me!"
"I did not push you," Angel said. "I warned you that no matter what happens, don't open your eyes."
Angela felt a chill run down her spine.
"We have to leave," Angel said. "Now."
"Why?" Angela asked.
"Stop asking questions and run!"
Angel grabbed Angela's hand tightly.
This time, even the darkness could not separate them.
They ran.
And as they ran, the darkness seemed endless.
Angela felt as though hours, days, even months had passed.
No matter how far they ran, the darkness did not change.
The ground felt like it stretched on forever.
Then suddenly, light.
Angela began to stagger.
Angel grabbed her with both hands and pulled her forward.
"Don't stop!" Angel said, dragging her toward the light.
Angel half-carried Angela as she ran toward the exit, and when they finally crossed through it, the wall slammed shut behind them.
Angela collapsed to the ground, breathing hard.
Angel bent over, trying to catch her breath.
After a moment, Angel looked at her, her expression serious.
"What were you thinking?" Angel snapped. "Why did you open your eyes?"
Angela didn't answer.
"That place is not for the weak," Angel said. "This was your first time going through there. If that thing had considered you an enemy, you would not be alive right now!"
Angela stayed silent. She knew Angel was right.
"Your luck amazes me sometimes," Angel said, running a hand through her slightly damp hair. "Next time, listen to what I say. Okay?"
Angela nodded slowly.
"Okay."