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The decision ulti easy—I run toward the closed door, toward Langston

I can’t savehiht anyone to save him, and I couldn’t face that

I get to the closed door and listen carefully for any sign of souard I don’t hear anyone, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there

Slowly, I open the door wide enough to look down the hallway I don’t find anyone, so I open the door all the way and step through The hallway is quiet and empty

I start walking down the hallway, hoping to find Langston or soston will have woken up by now, and ill be able to sneak out together

I get to a fork in the hallway I can continue on straight or turn to the right There are no people straight ahead, so I push ht It’s empty as well

My gut tells ht than straight ahead

I continue down the hallway as silently as I can, looking for clues of whose house this is or where Langston is All of the decorations look to be a century or more old and have no personal touches I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a rental property That, couards,us doesn’t have as ht

I coainst it to listen I don’t hear anything, so I continue on

I do the saentlesound I open the door, too quickly, and it ston if he’s hurt

Langston is lying on the cold floor, but no one is watching hied us that they don’t need to stand guard—what fools

I race over to his side and gently pat his cheek

“Langston, you have to wake up We have to get out of here”

I tug on his arm and try to roll him over

He moans but doesn’t open his eyes