"I'm not sure. I don't even know the point of writing my letter," Sarrah replied to Bethany as she stared at her paper.

     Sarrah closes her eyes, taking a deep breath and allowing the calm breeze to brush over her. As she exhales, she opens her eyes and sees the thick greyish clouds swirling in the sky. As she lowers her gaze, something catches her attention. Her eyes narrow as she focuses on the approaching figure on the street.

"Ladies..." Sarrah called out as she squinted at the moving object on the road.

"What's wrong?" Bethany responded and asked.

"...I see a carriage!" Sarrah raised her voice, pointing at the carriage.

Sophia quickly poked her head through the entrance and called the men inside the cafe. "Guys! There's an approaching carriage!"

Oliver, Gregory, and Edgar quickly followed and trailed at the entrance.

Meanwhile, Sarrah swiftly hopped down the entrance steps and dashed towards the middle of the road. "Stop!" she yelled, waving her arms frantically.

     The thundering hooves of the running horse abruptly ceased, causing the carriage to stop a few meters in front of Sarrah. The sound of creaking wheels subsided, replaced by an eerie silence. Inside the ornate carriage sat a family of three. The father swiftly opened the window and inquired.

"Are you all stranded?" the father inquired with genuine concern. "Do you need a ride?"

"No, sir. But please, wait," Sarrah ran to the window and answered. She then turned around and called Oliver. "Oli!"

Oliver's eyes widened at the opportunity before them. "Ed! This is your chance! Come on, let's get you to safety!" He pulled Edgar towards the waiting carriage. He then looked at the family inside the vehicle. "Please, I beg you. Take this boy. He needs to be safe."

"Wait," Edgar let go of Oliver's hand. "I will stay. I have my decision."

"Ed, you know you're not safe here," Oliver stated.

"Oli, I'm not safe without Gregory. I'd rather be with my last relative who can take care of me, whether we live or die together," Edgar declared as his eyes met Gregory's, who stood nearby.

"Last relative...?" Oliver glanced at Gregory as his jaw shook.

Gregory nodded. "Yes..."

Oliver's glistening eyes filled with understanding. "I... I understand," he said as he embraced Gregory and Edgar tightly.

Edgar released himself from the embrace. "I'm staying," said Edgar.

"As you wish," Oliver replied. He then looked at the family inside the carriage. "You may leave now while there's time."

The father in the carriage looked perplexed. "But you've heard the bells ordering an evacuation. There may be something dangerous approaching. Are you sure none of you will come with us? The carriage roof can still support all of you."

Oliver glanced up at the sturdy wooden roof of the carriage. "We're fine. Thank you," he responded.

Sophia approached the father at the window. "Please, take my letter. And send it to my family in Hannsbarnne. They reside atop the rocky mountains—on a plateau. Just call out for them using my surname, Casalee," she said politely.

The father kindly took her request. "Alright," he nodded.

"Please take ours as well," Bethany stepped forward with Sarrah.

     Sarrah slowly took her friend's letter. They smiled at each other, locking their eyes on one another. Sarrah then brought the two papers to the father's hand.

"I'll make sure to send them to their rightful address once this situation is over," the father assured, carefully tucking the letters into his coat's pocket. He paused and stared at the group before him. "I may not understand your reasons for staying, but I will respect your choices. Stay safe... and may luck be on your side," he said.

     The carriage wastes no time, swiftly departing from the area. The rhythmic sound of the horse's footsteps and the creaking of the rotating wooden wheels fill the air, echoing through the empty street. As the distance between the carriage and the group grows, the noise gradually fades into thin air.

     What is left is pure silence in the air. It is so peaceful suddenly. It is a moment of calm.

"You'll be fine with me," Gregory wrapped his cousin, Edgar, into his arm.

"We'll be," Edgar replied as he sniffed.

     Sarrah slowly glances to her left side. She sees her friend, Bethany, looking at Gregory and Edgar together. Sarrah steps closer and touches Bethany's shoulder.

"Beth? Are you fine?" Sarrah asked.

"Look at them," Bethany said, staring at Gregory and Edgar. "They remind me of us. Always present on each's side."

Sarrah looked at the young men. She then smiled and cuddled Bethany. "Of course, for you are my friend... since childhood."

     Bethany savours the peaceful moment, allowing herself to bask in the tranquillity. She closes her eyes, immersing herself in the warmth of the embrace shared with her friend. In that hug, she encounters relief and a pleasurable sense of connection.

     Meanwhile, Oliver stands in the background. His eyes lock on the heartwarming sight before him. A slight smile graces his lips as he observes the two pairs, witnessing the depth of their love for one another. Memories of the previous year flood Oliver's mind, the time when he passionately preached about the significance of genuine connections.

Oliver then glanced at Sophia and smirked. "So, heh?" He blushed as he opened his arms for an embrace.

Sophia closed her eyes halfway through and stated, "I stand by myself."

"Oh..."

     Oliver's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and he averted his gaze. As he was about to turn around, he felt the comforting embrace of Sophia's arms around him. At that moment, memories flooded Oliver's mind, taking him back to when they first met. Initially, he only saw her as a friend, but over time, their bond grew.

     As Sophia's embrace envelops him, Oliver hugs her back. As they hold each other, time seems to stand still. They cuddle each other tightly, their bodies pressing against one another. They feel the gentle pressure and warmth of their bodies melding.