"Right here!" I shouted, then quickly lowered my hand, realizing he couldn't see me in this pitch-black room.
Following my voice, Andrew settled down next to me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body through his coat.
Suddenly, I felt a wave of unease wash over me. I instinctively wanted to shift away from Andrew to create some space between us.
But then, a blood-curdling scream pierced through the air outside, and before I could think, I clung to Andrew, burying my face in the crook of his neck.
His body stiffened, but I didn't notice. All I could think about was escaping, getting out of this place.
After what felt like an eternity, Andrew's hand gently rested on my back, soothingly stroking me as he murmured, "It's okay. I'm here. We'll be out of here soon…"
As I nestled against him, listening to his comforting words, a memory from years ago flashed through my mind.
That boy had said something similar. "Don't be scared, Lily. I'll get you out…"
Just as I was lost in that recollection, the door swung open, flooding the room with blinding light. I squinted, my head spinning slightly.