Milton knew he was going to die. He didn't want to, but there wasn't anything that cold be done. Andrea spoke to him in a calming voice as she tried to cut herself free.
Please don't go, he thought. Please.
After a moment of silence, beside the sound of the metal handcuffs jingling about, he opened his eyes ever so slightly to see Andrea cutting her other hand free. Once she was freed, she immediatley came to his side.
"Milton..." Her voice quivered. "Milton.. I'm sorry..."
He weakly took hold of her hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
"Don't... be... it's his... fault..."
She sniffled and held him close to her body; close enough so that he could hear the steady beat of her heart. It soothed him in a way that made him feel... happy.
"Andrea... I... I love you..."
She shook with silent sobs. "Milton, I've always loved you..."
With gentle movements, she pressed her lips to his for the first and last time. It filled Milton's stomach with a flurry of mixed emotions. Happiness, confusion, sadness, and relief.
When she reluctantly pulled away, Milton could feel himself slipping away quickly.
"Hurry... there's not... much time..."
Andrea kissed his forehead and squeezed him as hard as she could without hurting him.
"I can't! I can't do it!"
Milton forced his eyes open and with every last bit of strengh, raised his hand and stroked her cheek lovingly. "Please... I don't want to... turn..."
His hand fell to his side, and his eyesight began to go dark.
The last words he heard were from Andrea; full of love and care.
"I love you.."
