"It seems you've lost your steam." Alan set the manuscript on the table and reached for his coffee.
"What do you mean?" Merlot raised an eyebrow.
"So far, it's a romantic car crash. Felix resents Jared for having Nova. Kacy resents Lolita for existing. Pat's goal is to evict Felix—preferably warm. The only action is Jacob nearly dying in a rock avalanche."
"Relax. The suffering hasn't even begun—I have a whole cast lined up for a slow, delightful extinction."
"Hmmm… is your plan to send a meteor and wipe out their world?"
"Oh, no. I do have my soft spots. Felix is at least likable compared to Lolita."
"I like Yesmin even though she doesn't appear much. "When we were drafted for Vietnam…" Alan sipped his coffee. "We weren't in the same squad."
Merlot shook his head. "No. We stayed together. The sergeant wanted to split us up, but you insisted we remain a unit. You said we were best friends."
Alan set his coffee cup on the table. "No offence. Friendship doesn't outrank staying alive."
"Alan!" Merlot roared. "You wouldn't betray your best friend!"
Alan shook his head and grabbed his coat off the rack. "You mistake not leaving for staying."
Merlot's jaw dropped as the door slammed shut.
Are you not getting the hint? You never survived the impossible?
The voice sent chills down Merlot's spine.
"Shut up!" Merlot roared. "You don't know what you're talking about!"
I'm the one writing you. I'm the one who gave you that false alternative ending—where you survive the bullet wound.
"I survived," Merlot snapped. "You can't erase that."
Why did Alan leave instead of staying with you?
He bit his lip, tasting a hint of blood. It carried the same dull ache he remembered blooming in his chest.