We met at the abandoned bandstand in the plaza. It was the most exposed place we could think of, hoping the public setting would offer some protection.
"We can't give it to them!" Leo hissed, his face frantic. "If we do, Luna disappears forever! Her father's name is never cleared! They win!"
"And if we don't, Ms. Liza disappears forever!" I shot back, my voice cracking. "We brought her into this! We have a responsibility!"
We were trapped in an impossible ethical nightmare. Protect the dead or save the living. Honor a promise or prevent a new tragedy.
Luna was there, a shimmer of anguish. "No," she whispered, her voice a faint breeze. "No more because of me. You have to save her." She was willing to sacrifice her own justice, her own existence, for our teacher's life. Her selflessness made the choice even more agonizing.