Alissa sat hunched over in the damp walls of her holding cell, the deja vu eminent. She had been in this particular cell for the 7 days following her trial, and once again, had been given merely stale bread and water. Thankfully there was no invasive Peter leering over at her. So far anyway. Alissa wouldn't discount the possibility, much as she tried to avoid thinking of it. She was told her execution would take place in 5 days time. Five days. 120 hours of life. 120 hours of oxygen. 120 hours until yet another divergent was erased from Chicago without a trace. Was this really the healing the factions imagined?

Alissa couldn't help but think of pre-war society. She heard there were no factions there - people could be free to live their lives. People could be smart and kind and knowledgeable. They could be brave and selfless and honest. There were no boundaries. What would it have been like, living in a society where she never had to hide who she really was? Where she could just be honest - be her authentic self - without fear or punishment? Alissa was aware that pre-war society likely had its problems, but she still yearned for a past life where she could have been free.

An unexpected face interrupted her wistful dreaming. Eric's face, looking as handsome yet stoic as ever, hovered in front of her.

"I was sent to inform you that your execution occurs in 5 days time," he said brusquely.

"I know. One of the guards already informed me," Alissa replied, her sadness seeping into her voice.

"What were you thinking about before I came here?" Eric asked suddenly.

"Huh?"

"Your face. You were staring into the distance thinking about something. What was it?"

"I was just thinking about pre-war society. What it must have been like," she said, with a pained smile.

"Stop dwelling on the past," Eric barked.

"Why shouldn't I?" Alissa replied sadly. "I hate my past, and I have no hope for the future, so the past is all I have left to cling on to," she said, staring at the hallway behind Eric.

"Why is that?"

"Why is what?" Alissa replied, scrunching her eyebrows and leaning her head against the bars of her cell.

"Why is it that you think you have no hope for the future?" Eric inquired.

"Look at me," Alissa laughed humorlessly, gesturing to her cell. "What do I really have to look forward to?"

Eric's eyes softened. He leaned his head forward against the bars and kissed her lips with a passion and tenderness very disparate from the apathy he had been displaying recently.

"You know it's not too late," Eric said, his voice significantly softer now. "You can always have a future with me," he said, his eyes pleading.

Alissa laughed dryly. "Are you finally growing a pair and asking me directly?"

Eric smiled slightly and dropped to one knee. Alissa raised an eyebrow.

Through the bars of her cell, she saw Eric bring out a small box with a ring inside. "I know these last few events have been very difficult for you. I never wanted things to come to this. I know that I couldn't live without you, and I hoped you felt the same. I tried to do whatever I could to get you to marry me, but you were too stubborn to listen, and I love that about you, Alissa, I -" his voice choked up. "I love you, Alissa. And I'm sorry that you're here, in a cell, waiting for doomsday. I never wanted that for you. I never - I never wanted that for us, Alissa. I know I haven't been the best at showing it, but please believe me when I say that you were the best thing to happen in my life. I had never known true joy, true happiness, true love until I knew you, Alissa, and I'm asking today for you to do me the great honor of becoming my wife and spending the rest of your life together with me."

Alissa bit her lip and looked down. "I'm not really sure what to say Eric. I appreciate the apology, but this is a lot to take in right now. I'd like to give it 2 days to consider it. Come back again then and I will have an answer for you."

For the first time that Alissa was able to witness, visible sadness clouded Eric's eyes. Despite the turmoil within her, despite the frustrations she felt towards this beautiful man, she couldn't help but feel a pit in her stomach at the despair in his gaze.

"Ok," he whispered sadly, his shoulders hunching over and head falling. He let out a deep sigh. "I'll - I'll come back in 2 days. I'll await your answer then," he said quietly, standing up and exiting down the hallway.

Alissa leaned back in her cell. She had a lot to think about.

(A/N: What do you think of Eric's proposal and apology, dear readers? Should Alissa say yes? Or should she remain awaiting a very brief end?)