Dying

In Dwight’s arms, Callie muttered, ‘Save Elias...Elias...’ Dwight held her close, desperately urging her to stay awake. Callie, fading, continued to murmur, ‘Save...Elias...’ ‘Young lady, hang in there. I’ll take you to the infirmary right now!’ As they moved, blood painted Callie’s white coat a vivid red, a tragic contrast in the dark night. Dwight issued another order. ‘Carey, go after the sniper!’ Carey remained where he was. ‘No, Mr President. Your grandfather says I must be by your side at all times.’ Dwight growled, ‘Carey, you take orders from me, not the old man. I’m ordering you to go after the sniper!’ Reluctantly, Carey took off towards the two-storey building. Dwight ran through the rain, heading for the infirmary. Callie’s warm blood mixed with the cold rain, leaving a poignant trail behind. *** At the same time the gunshot rang out, Elias’s heart skipped a beat without warning. Locked in that cold, dark room, he had grown accustomed to the surroundings, but never to the a