Love each day.
The pendant falls like a death sentence, sealing her fate. And for the first time in a long time, Juno Kaplan is speechless.
Finally,
"I had to kill her, Juno. Had to put her out of her fucking misery."
Juno flinches at the sound of Sarah's voice. They haven't spoken - not since they'd come up with their plan to escape. The younger woman's face contorts with anguish in the dark.
"Where'd you get that?"
Her voice is hoarse, empty. Sarah doesn't answer, but her eyes say it all.
"It was an accident, Sarah."
Her voice cracks, her eyes searching Sarah's face for a sign of recognition, anything. She doesn't find it.
"It was an accident. She came up behind me, I was scared. I just, they were everywhere."
A shriek splits the air, and the two women jump.
Urgently,
"Why should I believe you?"
Juno glances over her shoulder for a split second before turning back to Sarah. Their eyes lock.
"Because I'm your friend." The younger woman's voice shakes slightly, her jaw clenched.
"You got us into this - "
"Fuck, Sarah! How could I have known - "
"You brought us down here - "
"I didn't - "
"You're the reason they're dead; Becca, Beth, Holly - "
"Sarah - "
"You're the reason we're in this hell hole! You did this, this is your fault - "
"Sarah for fuck's sake shut up and listen to me!"
Silence.
Locking eyes with her climbing partner, Juno does her best to keep her voice level. "Fuck, Sarah. I know what I did. But we're together now and we're gonna get out together okay?"
She's practically pleading now. Sarah's face is set, her jaw clenched.
Finally,
"Fine. Let's go."
Sarah shoves the pendant into Juno's chest, hard enough to make her stumble back a step, and the younger woman blinks, taking it hesitantly and putting it back around her neck.
"I… Thanks."
Sarah just nods, face still set in stone as Juno takes the lead.
As they exit the cave, Juno swears she sees Sarah smile despite herself.
Maybe there's hope for them yet. The thought brings a small smile to her face.
Whatever the future may bring, she's ready.
It's a new day.