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"Let me go, Christopher! Ethan's inside, for God's sake! Let me go!" I struggled to free myself from his grasp.

I couldn't contain the emotions inside me. My stomach churned with dread. Ethan was inside, and I couldn't leave him.

Chris held me tightly, his grip unyielding.

I was overwhelmed by the tumultuous emotions raging within me. Ethan had died, and there was so much left unsaid.

I couldn't tell him I loved him; I couldn't apologize for my earlier harsh words. I wouldn't see him again, feel his presence, hug him, or kiss him. He was gone.

He had left us, protecting both me and Chris.

How had I ever doubted his feelings for me? Now he was gone, gone forever.

The firefighters rushed to extinguish the flames, but I was unable to look away from the fire-ravaged mansion. My tears flowed freely down my cheeks.

I had been so foolish. I hadn't told him how I felt. I hadn't had the chance to say yes to his proposal. And now, it was too late. He was gone.

Exhausted from my struggles with