Now, Carmen didn't have many good memories of VILE. Well, that's not necessarily true.

She wasn't sure if she hated her childhood. Yes, it could've been a whole lot better, but she had some bright spots. The joy of mischief and friendship. Throwing water balloons at Cookie Booker. Chatting for hours with Player. Teasing Gray. Yes, she hated VILE. But she tried not to think about what her life would have been without it.

As a kid, running around, getting into trouble, everything on VILE Island seemed to match the level of innocence inside herself. As she grew up, all her memories were tainted by innocence lost. Not only was everyone she grew up with were okay with murder, but it was also very likely many of them were murderers. All her memories of playing with the other recruits suddenly didn't seem so innocent.

Well, Carmen guessed that she wasn't so innocent anymore. She tried to kill someone. She tried to kill Gray. It was a stroke of luck and cleverness on Gray's behalf that allowed her to keep the veneer of innocence.

She stared at the face of her failure, sitting here in a pastel hospital room. Gray breathed even and deep, unconscious.

She was tired. She was really, really tired. She was slouched in her chair, head down, too ashamed to look at Gray for more than a brief moment. She rested her elbows against her knees and collapsed her hands together. She was so tired.

Her phone chimed and rang, and Carmen let it ring out into the silent room for a moment before answering, "Hey Red."

"Hey Player."

"Just wanted to check up on you."

"I'm doing fine." She stopped for a moment, trying to find something to say.

Player seized on the opportunity, "Fine? Really?"

When it came down to it, Player was her oldest and best friend for a reason. He could see right through her. "No. Not really," Carmen admitted. "I'm just so tired, Player." She allowed her weariness seep into her voice.

"You should take a break. You really need the rest."

That was true. She was covered in scrapes and bruises and she was mildly sore all over, but she couldn't rest. Not right now. "I'll be alright, Player. It can wait."

She could tell he didn't approve, but she couldn't take a break right now. She wouldn't let herself. "Alright, Red. Just promise me you will soon."

"Yeah, I promise."

"Alright, I'll check in later. Bye."

"Bye."

Her attention was drawn back to the silent hospital room with the weight of her failure.