The bullet pierced my chest like a knife through soft butter.
I wanted to stop thinking, to pass peacefully into the next world where my mother waited for me with open arms.
Instead, thoughts flooded my mind, thoughts which rapidly morphed into panic.
Tobias. Christina. I didn't get to say goodbye.
I'm dying.
Dying.
I can't die.
This isn't supposed to happen! I'm sixteen years old! Tobias needs me I—
Then my mother was there. Though she said nothing, I looked at her and I was able to think. Channeling my emotions back to thoughts, I fought for another breath.
Finish what you started.
Do this for Tobias, for Christina, even for Caleb.
No more GP's or GD's. Just people. They can live the life they deserve.
Tobias is going to kill me.
Wait, I'll be dead anyway.
I almost laughed, but the taste of the words was too bittersweet.
My hand shook uncontrollably as I pressed the last number of the combination.
Everything hurt. I turned my head to look for the green button and almost passed out.
Beatrice. It's almost over, sweetie.
Mom was next to me then, smiling down lovingly, long wavy hair flowing down her back.
Screaming in agony, I extended my arm towards the glowing circle of green light.
And then I saw Tobias.
I felt his hand on my side, fingers clammy where they touched my skin. We were at the top of the ferris wheel. I was pointing at the flag, almost reaching for the glowing green like the one beneath my fingers in reality. I felt Tobias' breath against my neck as he whispered in my ear.
Be brave, Tris.
I slammed the button as hard as I could, pure love surging through my veins like electricity.
I love you, Tobias.