The descent didn't slow.
Don moved first, boots hitting each step of the fire escape in quick succession—
CLANG—CLANG—CLANG—~
The metal frame rattled with every impact, the structure shaking as the rest followed close behind.
Claire kept one hand on the railing, the other locked around Sylvia's wrist, guiding her down step by step. Sylvia missed one step halfway and slipped—
Claire caught her instantly.
"Careful."
"I—I'm fine…"
They didn't stop.
Below them, the parking lot came into view.
Empty in places.
Abandoned cars scattered at odd angles, some with doors left open, others still running—
Engines idling.
Don dropped the last few steps, landing hard—
THUD—!
He moved forward immediately, clearing space as the others reached the ground behind him.
The girls closed in without thinking.
Close.
Too close.
As if staying near him meant something.
