"Wait…"
Everyone turned toward Cindy.
Ryan's eyes were open.
For a moment, the relief of seeing him look at them overcame everything else. Cindy drew him closer before remembering his injuries and easing her hold again. His voice had barely carried across the basement, hoarse and uneven, but he had spoken.
He was awake.
"Ryan…"
Fresh tears gathered in Cindy's eyes as she bent her head toward his.
"It's all right. We're getting you out. We're taking you home."
His gaze moved slowly over her face.
She waited for recognition, for some small change that would tell her he understood who was holding him. His eyes remained dull with exhaustion, and she could not tell whether he knew she was real.
"It's me," she whispered. "Cindy."
Ryan's lips parted, but no answer came.
Instead, his attention shifted past her shoulder.
Cindy followed his gaze toward the far wall.
