However, the Ember inside that memory did not even register Jay's presence. The moment she caught sight of the surroundings, she turned around and ran.
Her footsteps were frantic, uneven, as if the ground itself was chasing her. Jay's heart lurched.
'Wait… Ember.'
His legs moved before his mind could catch up, and he chased after her without thinking.
No matter how fast he ran, the distance between them never truly closed. She stayed just far enough away to remain out of reach, like a cruel mirage.
Then the scene shifted.
He watched as Ivy's family returned, their silhouettes emerging from the haze.
He saw Ivy standing there, her shoulders slowly caving in as the truth spilled from her lips.
Her voice trembled as she spoke about Ember, and then Ember herself appeared, silent and pale, existing only to prove that everything Ivy said was real. Jay stood there, invisible, forced to witness every second.
The next day followed like a blade drawn across his throat.
