Hello! This is the second last chapter. Lack of motivation is definitely a contributing factor in this. I hate it when I lose interest in my own story, it makes it so difficult to write for it. I'm really not happy with this chapter, so sorry it's so rubbish.

I think the other problem with this story is how I seem to favour Cal and Ethan in it. What can I say? I can't help it - they are two of my favourite characters! I do try and write the other characters but I find Cal and Ethan easier to write for, probably because I always write for them and I have their characters fleshed out in my head.

I was very worried about posting the previous chapter: posting a well-known character's death always is risky. Thank you for the positive response, though!

Wow, I really do ramble on and on and on, don't I? I'll shut up now!


The Will to Live: Chapter 11


Ethan was sat back against the wall, head resting against it and knees drawn up to his chest. Honey's body had been covered with a dusty sheet, and now she just lay there. He wanted to cry over her again, he wanted to cry for years because it was the only way to let out his sadness, but his tears had dried up. He had no more left.

He glanced at the sheet-covered Honey, wishing they could get her out soon for Noel's sake. He deserved to be with his daughter. He hadn't known her for almost her entire life - and now she had gone before her time. She was the youngest in the room, and she had died. How was that fair?

He looked towards Dylan suddenly when he heard a loud sigh and groan coming from the consultant, before he saw his phone being thrown across the room into rubble in what seemed to be a fit of rage.

"What?" Zoe asked in surprise, looking towards the rubble where the phone was lying: cracked.

"The stupid phone ran out of battery," he told her through gritted teeth, throwing his head back and closing his eyes.

Lily looked close to tears. "That means..."

"...we're dead," Rita finished, putting her head in her hands. Ethan could hear faint sobs coming from the nurse, while Tess tried to comfort her.

"No, no, no. We are not dead - not yet. We will find a way out... I'm sure of it," Zoe said to everyone, but Ethan didn't believe her. They had already lost one person, and there was no sign of help coming. Rubble and debris kept falling from the ceiling and the fire wasn't dying down.


Then followed minutes of silence where everyone just listened to the sounds around them. Shallow breathing - indicating the everlasting panic everyone felt. Sniffs from people trying not to cry. Debris falling. Objects creaking. Fire burning.

"I have an idea," broke the silence. It was Lily, standing up quickly (almost falling over in her haste) and looking almost eager; though her face still didn't look as bright as it once was. "Now this might sound stupid -"

"- just say it, Lily," Dylan persisted.

"What if a couple of us tried to look for a way out? I mean, we're just sitting here waiting to die. It's not like anyone is trying to help us."

"No. Absolutely not. It's so dangerous out there!" Tess exclaimed.

"Actually, it's not a bad idea. If a couple of us go, then it'll be quicker and we might be able to find a way out. It's not guaranteed - of course, but it's worth a try. If we find a way out, we can come back in and get you guys."

"You sound like you're suggesting you go," Mac said, speaking for the first time in a while.

"I am," he said, also standing.

"I'll go too. Just us two," Lily told the group, smiling weakly.

"Erm, nothing is final yet!" Ethan almost shouted, not wanting them to put themselves in danger.

"Okay, put it to a vote. All those in favour of Lily and me looking for a way out and saving us." Zoe, Mac, Dylan, and Lily all raised their hands. "That's settled then. Four against three. Sorry to you lot, but we're going to save you." Tess, Rita, and Ethan all looked towards each other, knowing they were outnumbered but also knowing that Lily and Dylan wouldn't back down.


They all watched Dylan's and Lily's retreating backs as they climbed and stumbled off into the destruction outside of the Resus doors. "I guess this is it. Our last chance," Mac said to the rest of them. "We will get out," he spoke confidently, "I'm sure of it."

"I can't wait to see Max again, I hope he's okay," Zoe muttered, tears spiking the corner's of her eyes.

"Noel will be devastated. At least we're all alive still... oh God, Cal..." Ethan trailed off, the thought of seeing his brother: being held by his brother overwhelming him. He didn't think he'd ever be so happy to see Cal again. "I wonder what's happening outside... they must have wanted to get to us, surely."

"I'm sure they have - they might have had to restrain Cal from getting to you, Ethan," Zoe joked sadly, just imagining how much this must be killing Ethan's brother.

"We all have so many reasons to survive this. Let's just keep thinking of those reasons, and we will make it out of here," Tess said encouragingly.


(I really am sorry about this chapter, I understand how awful it is and I'm sorry. I've tried to make it better and it hasn't worked. I didn't want to post it because I hate it but there's nothing else I can do to it to make it better. Sorry.)