once inside, i fastened my locket back around my neck. i took in my surroundings, my mind wandering again. where was he? was i too late? did i really have only 5 hours to save him, or was it all a lie? determined not to let my thoughts become real, i headed toward the back stairwell, my fist gripping the tarnished locket. the slight breeze coming in from the shattered windows blew my torn dress around me. i climbed the stairs two at a time, until i reached the fifth landing. pressing my palm against the heavy metal door, i shivered and pushed. i froze instantly, letting my eyes adjust to the dim lighting. then i saw him, curled up in the corner. i gasped, my hand flying instinctively to hold in the sound. his hands were tied up in front, wrists bloody from hours of struggling. his eyes were closed, his brow scrunched up in thought. a silent tear rolled down my cheeck, yet i made no move to scrub it away. i moved slowly towards him, afraid to make a sound. two more tears; i sighed, and stretched out my hand…