Unlocked

Twenty Two - Sophie

The world seemed to slow down.

As Sophie's grip slipped from the bridge's railing, all she could feel was pain. Her ankle hurt like nothing she'd ever endured before. It felt like a firework was exploding inside her veins, crumpling her bones into dust.

As she fell, the warm wind of California whipped up at her, taking her breath with it. She struggled to take in oxygen as her hair flew into her face.

Seconds before Sophie hit the water, she looked up at Keefe. He was staring at her in terror, a white-knuckled grip on the metal railing. She refused to look at Lady Gisela. If these were her last moments alive, all she wanted to see was Keefe.

She only wished he looked happier.

She knew she might die. The drop was at least thirty feet, and the water below was sharp with rocks.

She closed her eyes tightly, bracing herself for impact. But before she hit the water's surface she sent one last message to Keefe. Three transmitted words of eternal emotion.

I love you.

And she hit the water.