Between Goodbye and Rescue

Annie took refuge behind Everett, her eyes brimming with tears. "I didn't know... Why is everyone picking on me?"

Everett stood firm in front of her, shouting, "Annie didn't mean to do it! Stop picking on her!"

He shrugged off the glares from the crowd, shielding Annie as they backed into a corner.

I could not focus on their drama. I had to get Zayden his allergy meds, and fast.

However, as I dug out the meds from the first aid kit and moved to give them to Zayden, a whiny voice pierced the air.

"Achoo... Everett, I think... I'm allergic, too."

I spun around to see Annie, hand on her chest, her complexion ghostly, collapsing into Everett's arms.

"What's happening to you?"

Everett clutched her, frantic, and barked at me, "Get the meds here, quick! Annie's in trouble!"

Zayden was struggling to breathe, his hands clawing at his chest.

"No way!" I shot back, striding toward Zayden. "This is Mr. Lynch's emergency medicine!"

However, Everett lunged, ripping the medicine box from my grasp.

I stumbled backward, unprepared, and slammed into the wall.

I stared at him, incredulous. "Mr. Lynch is in the middle of anaphylactic shock! You know he's vital to our evacuation mission!"

Everett paused, torn, but ultimately he handed the meds to Annie.

"That geezer was already knocking on death's door. Is his life worth more than Annie's?"

The bomb shelter erupted into chaos.

The guy with glasses was the first to charge at me. "Mr. Lynch is a national treasure! And you're siding with a makeup thief, a nobody–"

"Zip it!" Everett floored Glasses Guy with a swift move, his eyes blazing as he scanned the room. "Make a move, and you're done for!"

Annie slumped against the wall, a smug glint in her eyes.

She snatched the pill, shot me a triumphant look, and gulped it down with the water Everett handed her.

Meanwhile, Zayden was sprawled on the floor, his face turning a scary shade of blue, gasping and wheezing horribly.

The guy with glasses scrambled to his side, yelling at me, "Ms. Larson! Do something, quick!"

My fists were balled so tight, my nails were practically drawing blood from my palms.

Just like in my previous life, Everett always put Annie first, no matter the cost to anyone else.

My phone buzzed lightly in my pocket. I checked it, and a wave of relief washed over me.

I whispered, "Stay calm, the cavalry's coming."

The moment I was reborn, I sent out an SOS to the military.

No sooner had I spoken than the sound of rapid footsteps and clanging metal echoed from outside.

"The military's here!" Glasses Guy jumped to his feet, ecstatic. "We're gonna make it!"

Beams of light sliced through the gloom as commandos in full gear secured the entrance. The squad leader yanked off his night-vision goggles, his piercing eyes sweeping over us. "Where's Mr. Lynch? Command wants him back home, stat."

All eyes darted to Zayden, barely hanging on in the corner.

The officer's expression shifted in an instant, and he dashed over with urgency. "Mr. Lynch!"

His voice was sharp as he demanded, "Who's responsible for this?"