I felt warmth in my arms. I could hear the steady rhythm of breathing beyond the shoulder I held close, our hearts beating in unison, resonating with each other.

Thump— Thump—

Hilde was still alive.

“…Hilde.” “Lara.”

It wasn’t too late.

“…”

Despite the urgency of the situation, time seemed to stretch into eternity as we listened to each other’s heartbeats, exchanging the trembling warmth that pulsed beneath our soft skin.

Touching arms. Touching shoulders. Touching legs. Touching hearts.

Everything felt warm, and I was happy. With every breath, I could feel a slight trembling vibration.

'…You’re alive.'

Just knowing …