"I think you should do it."
She looks up, startled, from the screen in front of her. Her hands twitch as if she wants to close the mail she had been reading before I can see it. But we both know it's too late for that.
It's too late for a lot of things.
"What?"
"I think you should go." I let out a breath, hoping to ease the tight coil within my stomach.
I feel like, any moment now, I could be breathing my last precious mansion air.
She shakes her head, expression carefully blank. Does she still not know I memorized her face over and over by now? Every crack and angle is as familiar to me as breathing. "I don't-"
"Don't deny it Lara, I can be dense but even I can see you're restless." The words are sharper than intended, and my fingers uncurl, tugging nervously at my hair.
I suddenly realize it's long enough for a Lara-sized ponytail.
Lara doesn't say anything, but she looks back at the screen with a contemplative expression.
I hold my breath for several long heartbeats, time slowing to a near-stop as I wait for something to happen.
"The world is waiting." I suddenly blurt out, and her eyes snap to me, seemingly more unguarded than…. Well, anything I can remember at this point.
"It's got so much to offer, so much good. And I'd hate for you to give that up for-"
Don't say it.
Seriously Sam do not say it.
Don't f-
"Yamatai."
The only thing telling me she heard my voice are her hands.
They press against me, fingers digging into my shoulder, scraping against the bone as I'm pushed back. Back through the air, stumbling over my own feet, senses swallowed by the darkness in her eyes, until I hit the wall.
It's almost as if she wants to push me into the wall, merge me with the wood and stone of her family's home. Eternalize me as a Sam-shaped indent in her study.
Everything in me is telling me to run. Danger! Pissed off Lara Croft! Do you have a death wish, you idiot?! Did you really have to say it?! Get out now!
But the wall shapes itself around me as I stand my ground.