When I saw him approaching, dressed in a bright-colored rescue suit, a flicker of hope sparked within me. But that hope was quickly extinguished.
When Adrian reached us, his sole focus was on Madilyn. Without a second thought, he began pulling her free from the mud. He saw me—but his attention never wavered from Madilyn.
“Brother, please! Save me first!” I yelled, my voice cracking with panic, my heart pounding as the mud pressed harder against me.
I locked eyes with him, my desperation laid bare, but all I saw in return was irritation.
“Just wait! Maddy is your sister too. Why are you being so selfish?” he snapped, his words hitting me like a punch to the gut.
Stunned, I stopped moving. I wasn’t being selfish. The mud was crushing me, and I could feel my life slipping away with every second. “Please, Brother, I’m dying… I can’t hold on…”
For the first time in my life, I begged him—begged for my life. But Adrian ignored me.
“Brother, don't let go. I’m almost out!” Madilyn’s voice rang out. With his help, she finally broke free of the mud.