Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I clamped my hands over my ears, refusing to listen. Max, who'd sworn he'd rather die than surrender, was still lying in bed, and I just couldn't bear the thought of going through that again. There were too many people I wanted to save. But I was utterly powerless.

"Claude, don't you die on me," I said before turning and running away.

But at that moment, Claude was actually smiling as he handed a black bag to his bodyguard.

It wasn't until the next day when I used what was in the bag that I understood.

I spent the night beside Max, feeling his body temperature gradually fall.

"Max, you gotta wake up soon, buddy. If you do, we might just have won this thing."

I rested my head on his arm, the one without wounds, and felt his warmth. It was the only comfort I had these past few days.

Without him, life felt empty and meaningless. I fell asleep by his side, and in my dreams, I felt someone kiss my forehead.

I smiled in my sleep.

The next morning, I woke up early to find Max unchanged. He was in no condition to move, but I figured he'd be safe now with the Hilton family.

in charge

Helen wouldn't harm Max, so I trusted her completely and

in my apartment, but he hadn't come looking for me last night, probably delayed by something. When I opened the door, Richard was there, setting up breakfast. "Decided to come back, huh?" He didn't

my fists: "Last night, I went to see Max one

when

sad expression, my steps light and unsteady, leaning against the wall. He

of Max covered in knife wounds, the pain he must've endured... How could Richard have

surviving those

of luck," he said, helping me sit down. "You loved the lobster yesterday, so¶ made lobster and crab

breakfast."

is cold in nature;

then said, "Then let's go

don't you cook instead? It's been a while,

by my suggestion but still opened the fridge, which, despite his long absence, was

had prepared for

along? A final breakfast?" He ignored my question, busying

the packet of pills

pocket but ultimately decided