Dr. Money's message just arrived. It says that Salvadore died for you to be able to leave. There is no way Matthew was going to stay here after that.
As Matthew stepped outside for the first time in what felt like ages, he took a moment to breathe in the fresh air, feeling a renewed sense of freedom and purpose. Salvadore had sacrificed himself for Matt to obtain his freedom, a bittersweet reminder of the friend he had lost in the process.
Matt's eyes fell upon the elevator buttons in the hallway. Filled with determination, he headed back to his cell, carefully installing the elevator buttons where they belonged. With a flick of the switch, the heavy metal doors closed and the elevator started descending rapidly much to Matthew's shock, but he held on until it stopped.Without hesitation, he stepped outside, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Matt eventually emerged from the depths of the building into the outside world. It was just like the desolate environment he had grown accustomed to. Stale colors and deserted.
He had stumbled upon Charlotte's bakery. Entering the bakery, Matthew's eyes met Charlotte's, and instant recognition flashed across her face. A mix of relief, surprise, and joy washed over her as she realized he was alive and standing before her. Without hesitation, she rushed towards him, embracing him in a tight hug, feeling the weight of uncertainty and fear lift from her shoulders.
"Matthew, I'm so glad you finally came...I felt so lost..."
He reciprocated her hug with relief, but felt a bit confused about something. "I'm glad to see you too...I didn't think I'd get to you in time."
Charlotte stopped the hug and sighed. "I must admit, I own my hopes remaining intact to your friend."
"My...friend?"
The girl nodded. "He said his name is Salvadore, and he saw me here. He told me he's going to get you, and I trusted him. Where is he? I want to thank him for this." However, Charlotte noticed that Matt was despondent. "Matthew?..."
The poor lady hung his head low as he answered. "Salvadore, he...he gave up his life so I can come here..."
She gasped. "Oh my...I'm..I'm so sorry, I didn't know..."
"Don't worry about it. I made sure that it was not in vain, because now I can see your beauty in person..." Matt smiled at the girl before him.
Charlotte blushed at the compliment. "Oh thank you so much...I feel the same way too. By the way, I have made another cake for you, if you're hungry."
Matthew nodded. "Yes, I absolutely love your cakes."
And so, through their shared experiences, Matthew and Charlotte found solace and comfort in each other's presence. They found strength in their unity and the knowledge that they were no longer alone in their struggles.
"What should we do now?" Matthew asked Charlotte.
She answered. "To be frank, I have no idea. All I wanted was to see you, and now I did. Nearly everyone else is dead..."
"You're right...Well, I guess there's one more thing I'd like."
"And what would that be, Matthew?"
He stood up and faced her, taking her hands in his own, a gesture that caused Charlotte to blush again.
"I know that we don't really know each other well yet but with how you cared enough to wait for me in the midst of all this despair, it tells me that you're the one I want to be with for whatever is left of my life, and I would love if we made it official somewhere down the line."
With an even deeper blush now, the girl found herself stunned. "Wow Matthew, that was very poignant...You really flatter me, and I accept your request."
With that, the two shared another hug, this time looking forward to being together for as long as they can.
Even if the world torn itself down to nothingness, they would still be there for each other.