Amelia POV:
She's hurting. She was trying to hide it. But I could tell. The slight tightening of her jaw. Tensing of her hand. Her robotic movement. Yeah, she's definitely hiding something. Something that I probably can't even comprehend. Something that was non of my business. Something that she wouldn't want me to get involved in. Something I knew my parents would scold me for getting involved in. Something I know might kill me.
I then lifted my palm and placed it over my heart to see if maybe. Just maybe. Maybe I should listen. Maybe I should just leave it alone and save myself the trouble. After all, it's what she'd want. She's kept it from me for a reason. To keep me from sharing whatever burden she's carrying and being forever pulled into her world. Plus, it's not as if I could do much. I am weak, dumb, and almost completely helpless. I can barely take care of my parents who have done so much for me, worked themselves to sickness for someone as worthless as me. I would be nothing but a bother. I would only trouble her more than she already is.
And yet despite that. Despite me knowing my flaws. Despite knowing the possible danger I'll be putting myself in. Despite knowing the worry my parents will suffer. Despite not knowing the world I'll be forever tied to till the day I die. My heart never wavered. Not even a stutter in it's rhythm. In fact, it's beat was strong. With the same strength it had when I started to work to help provide for my parents. I knew this feeling.
"Finally. Finally," I thought, "This is my chance. An opportunity I can't afford to mess up. But, what do I say? What if what I say makes her feel even worse? No. Stop that Amelia. Now isn't the time to start doubting yourself. Your friend needs you. The friend you owe your life to. Your only friend. Time to pay her back."
I walked a little faster to catch up to her. I was going to resolve whatever issue had plagued her mind. I was going to save her.
But as my outstretched hand got closer to her, a cold, dead feeling began crawling further and further up my arm. I tried to pull back my arm, but my body had stiffened. Like a snake, the feeling slithered past my arm coiling itself around my body. I tried to call Asuka's name but all that came out were dry coughs. I could do nothing but shiver in fear as my entire body was enveloped in this...thing. It started to wrap itself around my neck and now, I was no longer able to breathe. I looked forward at Asuka, desperately trying to find a way to get her attention. But no matter what I tried, my voice refused to leave my lips. My vision began to darken and I was losing feeling in my legs.
And then all of a sudden, I felt something else. Something flaring up in my chest. I didn't know what this feeling was, but it gave me strength. I began to flex my weak muscles to try and break free of this bind. But I only managed to make it loosen my neck a little. But a little was all I needed.
"Agh....Asshhu..ka. H.....Heeelp."
I don't think I've ever seen someone whip their head as fast as she had.
"AMELIA," I saw her mouth.
In that moment, the bind that was restricting me came undone and I fell to my knees. Beads of sweat began to flowed off my face and my breathing was ragged. Asuka had sprinted over and kneeled down to match my level. She was saying something but I couldn't make out what she was saying. Though I could pretty much guess what she was saying. But I knew if I told her what happened, it would burden her further. So I decided to put on a brave face and give a weak smile.
"I...I'm fine Asuka. My body...it just cramped up is all. No...no need to worry," I heaved.
I could tell that didn't convince her. She's not dumb after all. She tried to reach out touch, but my body flinched almost jumping back. I swear I could Asuka's soul leave her body. She stood up still facing me. She started shaking her head and again said something I couldn't quite make out. I then also stood up trying to apologize but before I could even get a word out, Asuka had turned dashed off at blinding speeds. Now there was only me and the other civilians on the street that I hadn't even noticed until now. I looked quietly at the spot in the street where Asuka dashed off from. I dropped my head and clenched my fist till my knuckles became white.
"My one chance....gone."