Before I could react, he wrapped his arms around me and we tumbled down the slope. He held me down tightly, flipping over me upon impact to use me as a human cushion.

Excruciating pain exploded from my shoulder blade. I managed to look down and saw a branch as thick as my wrist piercing straight through my shoulder.

The taste of blood immediately filled my mouth.

In my hazy consciousness, I saw Phoebe tenderly pulling Jose into her arms. She gently wiped the dust off him like a child.

Just like before, when the earthquake struck, she still chose Jose without hesitation.

On the other side, I was left forgotten in the rubble. My legs were now pinned under a massive stone and I was nearly losing my limbs and becoming crippled.

Tears mixed with rain streamed down my face. My voice was broken and raspy. "It hurts … so much … "

Finally, Phoebe's gaze fell upon me.

Just as she took a step forward, Jose fainted weakly in her arms, clutching her little finger and grimacing in distress.

"Phoebe, my heart hurts so much … "

That fragile expression stabbed Phoebe's heart like a dagger.