She could hear Aiden calling out to her. That was why she ended up here, standing outside the factory; she had heard him whispering her name from inside the flat and she followed the sound, careful not to wake Michelle or Roy as she left. She didn't understand how he could be here, but he was, he had come to rescue her. As she leaned against the wall, waiting for him to speak to her again she tried to make sense of it in her mind. He had died all those months ago; she had seen him lying lifeless on the floor, Johnny standing over him, a memory that would forever haunt her. Yet his voice was now urging her to find him, to follow him. She thought she had caught sight of him, he was heading into a fenced off area where the worst of the collapse had occurred, and she followed, moving quickly to keep up. He was always just out of view, a glimpse around a corner, not quite in focus, just out of reach. Then suddenly his voice came from high above her, coaxing her, challenging her to find a way to him.

Maybe he was a ghost. She had never believed in the supernatural, but she knew something must have made her like this, made her so evil, so hated. Was it the devil? She felt panic rising as she searched around, was that who was after her? Maybe Aiden could explain it, she just needed to reach him.

She saw the ladder and started to climb, not noticing how her bare feet were cut by the sharp metal rungs. She had reached the first platform when the realisation hit her. She knew why Aiden was here. He had come to help her escape from everything. He was going to help her die.

As he saw her start her ascent Peter broke out into a run, crossing the cobbles in seconds and reaching the fence in record time. He attempted to squeeze through, but the gap was too narrow, he couldn't get to her. She didn't seem to notice the commotion, continuing her progress towards the roof, and he knew he needed to stop her, and quickly.

"Carla!"

She hesitated, then looked down, almost losing her grip on the ladder in shock when she saw that Peter was there. She had longed to see him but now she needed him to go, he would ruin it, try to stop her. Where was Aiden? She couldn't hear him anymore and she needed him there with her. She called out to him but there was no answer so she continued with her climb, maybe he would be waiting at the top.

Peter despaired as he watched helplessly from the street below; he could hear her calling her dead brother's name. He knew how this would likely end and couldn't bear to watch it unfold. He started kicking at the thin metal fence posts, trying everything he could he could think of to prise them apart, to reach her before it was too late. The noise was disturbing the neighbours, faces pressed up against windows as they wondered what on earth was happening, but he didn't care. Finally, he managed to find a way through and he sprinted to the scaffolding, yelling out to her as he did so.

Carla had reached the last section of ladders, and climbed onto the roof, still searching for her brother, distraught that he had left her to face this alone. As she stood up another small part of the roof gave way and rubble crashed to the ground below, the remaining panels creaking as she edged along them. She could hear Peter below her, he still hadn't given up on her, she didn't understand why. She reached the edge of the roof and looked out, a crowd was gathering below. This was not how it was meant to be. She couldn't catch her breath, felt so dizzy, she needed it to end.

As he reached the top of the scaffold, Peter caught sight of her again, she had managed to move about twenty feet from where he was, and there was no way the fragile roof would support his weight too. She was dangerously close to the edge, and had clearly lost all control, if he didn't act now it would be too late. He had to find a way to get through to her.

"Do you know what most attracted me to you Carla Connor?"

She turned to look at him, he had her attention, he prayed that he could keep it.

"Your smile. And your beautiful soul. You are the strongest, most compassionate person I have ever met."

He could see the tears pool in her eyes, she was listening,

"I just need you to be strong for me now baby, I promise we can get through this."

She was completely still, a confused look on her face.

"But I'm evil, how can you love me?"

He could barely her, but her words crushed him. He yearned to hold her but she was too far away, the roof too dangerous, he needed her to come to him.

"How could I not? Please come back to me, everything will be OK."

She turned away, looking down at the increasing commotion on the ground below.

"I killed Rana. It's my time now, I don't deserve to live."

He was losing her, he could feel it. She was giving up. He needed to try again.

"Do you remember the first time you saved me? It was that night in December all those years ago, the tram crash anniversary. I was determined to drink to oblivion, and you were there, you understood. It was that night I realised that I couldn't live without you. You are my soulmate, please don't leave me now."

She turned back to face him, unsure.

"Remember what you did for Hayley? You brought joy to her last few months, were a true friend to her when she most needed it. You kept your promise to her, looked after Roy for her. You are a good person Carla."

He struggled to keep his composure, could feel the tears snaking down his cheeks, he needed her to see in herself what he saw.

"I watched you support your family after Aiden died, you were so brave, so selfless, that's the Carla I know, that's who you are. The world is better with you in it."

This was it, make or break. He could barely breathe as he waited for her reaction. She glanced behind her one last time, and slowly started to move towards him, hesitating, her eyes searching his for reassurance that he was speaking the truth. He made sure he did not break her gaze, willing her to keep moving whispering encouragement, telling her he loved her. When she was close enough he pulled her into his arms, feeling her collapse against him, trusting him to take control. They stayed there for a few minutes both unwilling to break the embrace, before Peter carefully started to guide her back towards the ground. As they reached the foot of the ladders she leaned into his chest, letting him lead the way. He was absolutely drained, he couldn't begin to imagine how Carla was feeling. But she was safe. he looked over at Michelle and Roy, and saw the relief on their faces, she had people that would help her get through this. He held her close as they walked over to the waiting ambulance, things would be very different for a while, but they would be there with her every step of the way.