[Fingers entwine with fingers and grip tight. Itachi's his lifeline as his voice turns fragile and guilty.]

She was so weak. She could hardly walk and with the drugs in her system... I would have to carry her.

And I wasn't sure if the way was clear. I didn't want to chance running into the soldiers with her. Sure they had promised but if they caught us... I couldn't move fast enough with her to keep away. Keep her safe. And I wasn't sure if that promise was good. But it seemed our only hope, and the longer I spent dithering over what to do, our window of survival was closing.

So I told her to get back under the bed and keep quiet no matter what. I would quickly scout ahead and see if this really was true and then return. I figured it was the least risky thing I could do where Lamie was concerned. The soldiers had already swept the building and she would be hidden. I would be the one risking fire.

I didn't care what happened to me. If I was shot - fine. She'd still have a chance, slim as it would be. She'd still live.

... she... said... she... understood. That she knew I'd... I'd... come through for her.

[He chokes. Suddenly he can't breathe.

Whispering.]

So I left her.




... I left her.