"NOOOOOOO!"
'You can't die, you can't die, you can't die, you can't die, you can't die, you can't die, you can't die.'
Sylvie's mind was locked in a harrowing chant of desperation. Over and over, the mantra repeated, 'You can't die, you can't die.' Each word is a fervent plea, each iteration an attempt to fend off the looming abyss.
With closed eyes, Sylvie bit her lip so fiercely that blood welled up and dripped onto the ground, but the pain was inconsequential. It was the pain within her heart, the unbearable squeeze of despair, that consumed her entirely.
The girl who had finally found her resolve was about to fail once again.
'You can't die, you can't die.'
Like a broken doll, she repeatedly willed inside her head to open her eyes. Her hand slowly moved to the cheek of the lying boy, and as she touched his skin, she felt the coldness.
'You can't die, you can't die.'
