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“You came back.”

The words hit harder.

I look at the girls filing past us.

“I know what it feels like when somebody doesn’t.”

Jasmine hugs me.

Then she follows the others.

I wait until Lily is the last one.

She reaches for my hand.

“Come with me.”

“I’m right behind you.”

She studies my face.

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

We walk into the corridor together.

The sounds outside have changed.

Less gunfire.

More shouting.

Sirens.

Radios.

Men giving orders.

We reach the tunnel entrance.

Morning sunlight pours through the opening.

Lily stops.

She stares at it.

“What’s wrong?”

“I haven't been outside in six days.”

My heart breaks.

I squeeze her hand.

“Then let’s go see the sun.”

We step outside.