AMBER'S SIDE – THE STAIRCASE INCIDENT
Eric hesitated at the edge of the staircase, frozen, his mind racing.
The memory of Edy, the fear, the helplessness—it all came crashing back.
Eric: 😶 (whispering to himself)
"Is she… going to leave us?"
A cold shiver ran down his spine. He took another step, and suddenly the world seemed to tilt.
Emily, standing a few steps away, gasped as she saw him:
"ERIC!!" 😱
Everyone's attention snapped to the staircase.
Everyone: 😱 "ERIC!!"
Justin, eyes wide, held his breath, heart pounding.
Eric's next step would have been fatal… but then—
Amber appeared like a vision, moving faster than anyone thought possible.
Amber, eyes calm but sharp, reached him in a heartbeat.
One hand shot out, wrapping around Eric's wrist and pulling him back with firm, unwavering strength.
Amber: 😐
"What happened? Are you okay, dear?"
Eric's eyes welled up. He clung to her hand, voice trembling:
Eric: 🥲
"Will you… leave us?"
Amber's expression softened, a shadow of pain crossing her face:
Amber: 😶
"It's… not like that, Eric."
Eric looked up at her, voice breaking:
"Then… take me with you." 🙁
Amber's eyes flickered toward Justin, who was frozen a few steps behind.
Amber: 😐
"And what about Justin?"
Eric's grip tightened on her hand.
Eric: 🥲
"I… I don't care… just don't leave me."
By then, Jonathan and the others had rushed up the staircase.
Jonathan: 🙁
"What happened?"
Amber turned slightly, her hand still holding Eric's, a small reassuring smile on her lips.
Amber: 😊
"Looks like he got scared again."
Eric held tightly to both Amber's hand and Jonathan's, seeking comfort and security.
Amber: 😊
"It's okay, dear… you're safe now."
Eric let out a shaky breath, relief washing over him as the tension of the moment melted.
Justin stepped forward, eyes still wide but calm, feeling the strength of his mother and the protective aura around his family.
---continue