(REVISED VERSION)
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AN hour had passed and Zach finally made his way back into the basement. He hobbled towards her, clutching a first aid kit, his leg already bandaged. Michelle scowled at him, anger evident in her eyes. She couldn't believe he had hurt her like this. She wanted to curse him out but decided to keep quiet.
Zach sat down in front of her and started treating her wounded leg. Michelle couldn't help but notice a sharp object in the kit. She formed a plan in her head. She knew she couldn't run because her feet were still tied, but at least she could try to defend herself.
"Z-Zach?" she said, feigning helplessness. "My feet... I can't feel them anymore. Can you at least remove the ties, please?"
Zach glared at her suspiciously. "Then what? You'll take the opportunity to run away? No fucking way, darling." He continued with the treatment, ignoring her plea.
Michelle winced in pain as he poured alcohol on the wound. "Zach... that'll hurt for sure, I think I'm gonna die!" she cried out.
"You're being too dramatic, darling. It'll be over soon," he replied dismissively.
Michelle was at a loss for words. She couldn't believe he was treating her like this. As he removed the bullet from her leg, she couldn't help but scream in agony.
"There, it's done!" Zach announced with a smirk.
Michelle couldn't believe he could be so callous. "How can you smile like that in this kind of situation, huh?!" she yelled.
Zach's expression turned to one of pity. "I feel bad for what I've done to you..."
Michelle couldn't help but snicker. She knew his pity was just a facade. Zach was the kind of person who only acted nice when he wanted something.
Zach's expression turned to one of hatred. "But you know what, you deserve this too, Michelle. This isn't even enough compared to the wound that you've caused here." He pointed to his chest.
Michelle rolled her eyes, uninterested in his lies. Zach grabbed her jaw and forced her to face him. "Don't you ever disrespect me when I'm talking to you?" he growled.
"I'm not interested in your bullshit, Zach," Michelle spat back.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the front door. Zach released her and stood up, distracted.
"Who the hell knew this place?" he growled, reaching for the gun tucked into his waistband.
She gasped at the sight of the weapon. "What are you going to do with that?"
He shot her a cold glare before snatching the tape from the kit. "Just stay still-"
"Help! I'm hidden he-"
Her sentence was cut off as he sprinted towards her, slapping her so hard her head whipped to the side.
Tears sprang to her eyes as he covered her mouth with the tape and checked the room before stalking out, gun in hand.
It had to be Nathan and Kevin. Thank god!
She turned to the kit beside her and grabbed the knife, slicing at the ropes around her wrists. Her fingers fumbled with the knots, but she refused to give up. She tore through the last rope, peeled off the tape, and stood up.
But before she could make a move, a gunshot from outside made her freeze.
Should I go out? What if they're already dead?
The lump in her throat stifled her sobs, but the thought of their lifeless bodies made her want to scream.
No. I can't give up. I have to stay strong.
She wiped away her tears, balled her hands into fists, and crept towards the door. When she opened it, a gasp escaped her lips.
"K-Kevin?"
He smiled at her and took her hand, leading her toward the living room. But her relief was short-lived when she saw Nathan and Zach pointing guns at each other.
Zach smirked. "Do you think I'll let you have a happy ending? I've waited too fucking long for this, and I'll do whatever it takes to get it-even if it costs your goddamn lives!"
"It's over, Zach. The cops are on their way, so stop this madness," Nathan said, scowling.
Zach laughed. "It's not over, you idiot. It will never be."
He aimed at Michelle. Kevin stepped in front of her. "Don't you dare touch my sister!"
Zach's grin vanished, replaced by a blank expression. "Oh, I wasn't talking about your sister."
He pulled the trigger and Kevin fell to the ground, blood gushing from his stomach. Nathan aimed at Zach, but he put his hand up.
"Try to shoot me, and I'll kill her this time."
Michelle screamed as she clung to her dying brother. "Don't close your eyes, Kevin... just look at me. Please, don't leave me."
"Stop crying, Michelle. These two assholes don't deserve your tears. Just come to-"
A gunshot rang out, and Zach slumped to the ground. Detective Clyde stood behind him, gun still smoking.
"I'm sorry I'm late."
Zach writhed in pain, staring at the detective. "W-Who the fuck are you?!"
The detective flashed his ID and handcuffed Zach. Nathan lifted Kevin, carrying him out of the house.
"He's still breathing, but I don't know for how long," Michelle whispered, holding her brother's hand.
As the police arrived, they took Zach into custody and rushed Kevin to the nearest hospital. Michelle and Nathan followed in the other car, praying for a miracle.
"Don't give up, Kevin... you're stronger than this." Michelle squeezed his hand, tears streaming down her face.
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