Chapter Text
January of 2023
The library exuded an atmosphere of serene tranquility, broken only by the presence of a lone figure nestled within its walls. Lily occupied the back office, her quiet immersion into a book punctuated only by occasional glances at the clock, its hands marking the passage of time – 6:07pm. Sighing softly, she returned her focus to her reading. Her evening stretched ahead, extended unexpectedly due to a delayed delivery of donated books, which demanded her presence until its arrival. However, a call had informed her of the delay, binding her to the confines of the library until the shipment materialized.
Pausing to mark her page, Lily reached for her phone, seeking connection amidst the quietude. She dialed her best friend, Xena, and waited expectantly.
“Hello, hello!” Xena's voice chimed through the phone.
Without hesitation, Lily initiated a video call, met promptly by Xena's smiling visage, adorned in her police uniform.
“Hey girly! How’s my favorite librarian?” Xena teased, eliciting a grin from Lily.
Lily positioned her phone to capture her surroundings, sliding her chair back for better visibility, and then communicated through sign language. “ I’m alright, rather bored. Delivery is late, so I can't leave yet.”
Understanding flickered in Xena's eyes. “Well, consider me your rescuer! I've just wrapped up my shift. I'll swing by with some entertainment and foods. Hang tight!”
Lily's nod was accompanied by a grateful smile as she signed once more, "That sounds great. I didn't bring lunch today, hoping the delivery would arrive early."
"And that's precisely why I fuss over you, always forgetting to fuel up," Xena chided playfully, shaking her head.
Lily scowled slightly, her signs more emphatic. " I don't forget to eat! I just don't have the appetite you do!"
Xena gasped dramatically, feigning offense, “Are you calling me fat?!” She struggled to stifle her laughter.
Rolling her eyes, Lily retorted, “ You are anything but that, you gym nut.”
Xena chuckled heartily. "True enough. Alright, I'll swing by with some grub in about 30 minutes."
With a nod and a wave, Lily bid farewell and terminated the call. Deciding to stretch her legs, she rose from her seat and began to wander through the library aisles, tidying up stray books and organizing the front counter. Glancing out of a nearby window, she noted the encroaching darkness veiled by rain. Lightning briefly illuminated the sky, prompting her to squint towards the distant parking lot where, for a fleeting moment, a figure seemed to stand.
Before she could investigate further, her phone jolted her back to reality, startling her slightly. Answering, she was greeted by Xena's urgent voice. "I'm at the side door, hurry, hurry, it's really pouring out here!" With a swift goodbye, Xena disconnected the call.
Lily chuckled silently, but a nagging thought lingered as she glanced once more out the window. Uncertain of what she had glimpsed earlier, she opted to set it aside for the moment. Slipping her phone into her pocket, she made her way towards the back storage room where the side door awaited. Peering through the peephole, she spotted Xena standing patiently on the other side, seeking shelter beneath the door's modest overhang.
Grinning, Lily swung the door open and greeted Xena with a welcoming wave, stepping aside to usher her friend inside. Xena entered with a wide grin, her backpack slung over one shoulder while she cradled a pizza box in both hands. Lily closed the door behind them, securing the lock, before the pair made their way towards the employee hangout room.
As Lily flicked on the lights, she surveyed the cozy space. Two inviting sofas flanked a coffee table, while an aging but sizable TV held court opposite them. A modest kitchenette nestled behind the seating arrangement, complete with a fridge, and a couple of bookcases adorned the remaining walls, housing an eclectic mix of movies and books.
Xena set the pizza box down on the table, popping it open with a mischievous grin. "Got your favorite - plain cheese pizza," she declared teasingly, without so much as a glance towards Lily. “I know how much you like NOT having toppings.”
Rolling her eyes in playful exasperation, Lily swiftly signed back, "You know I'm not opposed to toppings... " She leveled a pointed stare at Xena before continuing, "But YOU, my friend, seem to have a love affair with toppings overload."
Settling onto the sofa with a laugh, Xena reclined comfortably. "Guilty as charged! I like my toppings with just a side of pizza..." She leaned forward, rummaging through her bag with anticipation. "But now, for some entertainment..." With a triumphant grin, she retrieved a game and brandished it before Lily. "Behold, Resident Evil 5!"
Lily blinked in surprise, emitting silent chuckles as she signed, "Alright, I'm game. I've been itching to try it for ages, anyway."
As Xena busied herself connecting her Xbox One to the TV, Lily fetched some paper plates for the pizza. Returning to the couch, she served up slices for both of them, while Xena returned with the controller, preparing to launch the game.
"Shall we watch the opening and introduction while we eat?" Xena inquired, already initiating the game.
As the opening scenes of Resident Evil 5 unfolded on the screen, Lily found herself drawn into the familiar yet captivating world of the game. Having played its predecessors, she was already intrigued by the new dynamics and storyline. Xena's brief rundown of the game's premise—featuring Albert Wesker as the main antagonist and the co-op adventure of Chris and Sheva—added to her anticipation. She knew she could count on Xena to guide her through the game, a prospect she welcomed after years of Xena's gentle insistence to play together, despite her academic pursuits and work commitments.
A smile tugged at Lily's lips as she observed her friend devouring her first slice of pizza. Xena had been a steadfast companion throughout Lily's life, providing unwavering support during the trials of her education. While others drifted away, Xena remained a constant presence, understanding Lily's introverted nature and her penchant for solitude, yet always there when she needed a friend.
Lost in thought, Lily realized she had finished her meal, and Xena was extending the controller towards her. With a nod of gratitude, Lily accepted it, her fingers already itching to dive into the game. Starting a new game, she selected Chris as her character of choice, a nod to her fond memories of playing him in Resident Evil 1.
Xena let out a low whistle, a mischievous smirk dancing across her lips. "Going for the muscleman, huh? Now that he's all beefed up, he's gonna steal your heart?" she teased, her tone playful.
Pausing the game for a moment, Lily signed her response to her best friend, her expression a mixture of disbelief and amusement. " You know I'm intimidated by big guys. That's why Leon is still my favorite."
Xena erupted into laughter, her amusement contagious. "So you've got a soft spot for a guy with your last name, huh? Well, at least if you ever tied the knot in the game, you wouldn't have to change your name!" She chuckled again, her arms wrapped around her midsection.
Shaking her head with a mixture of exasperation and amusement, Lily released a frustrated sigh. " Let's be real, Xena. No sensible man would be interested in a woman who can't even speak," she signed, her expression tinged with resignation.
Xena's expression softened, and she placed a comforting hand on Lily's shoulder. "Lily, you can't truly believe that," she implored gently.
Sighing heavily, Lily returned her friend's gaze, her expression weary. "It seems I only attract strange men because of my appearance. No man seems willing to understand the mind of a mute."
Lily was often praised for her striking beauty—her long, wavy light brown hair cascading around her shoulders, her captivating aquamarine eyes shimmering with depth, her full lips adding a touch of allure to her delicate features. Her petite, well-proportioned frame boasted gentle curves that complemented her height of 5'7", creating an elegant silhouette.
Yet, alongside these compliments came a recurring lament: "It's just unfortunate that you can't speak," they would say, as if her voicelessness somehow diminished her beauty or herself as an individual.
Xena's expression lightened, her frown replaced by a thoughtful gaze. "You know, a woman once believed that no man would be interested in a deaf woman. But one man was, and because of his willingness to understand her, they were blessed with a wonderful daughter—me," she recounted with a hint of pride, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
Lily returned the smile, a fondness evident in her eyes. Xena's upbringing had been shaped by her parents' unwavering love and understanding, despite the communication barriers. Lily admired the bond shared between them and understood firsthand the importance of genuine connection beyond words. She harbored a quiet hope that she, too, would find someone who would embrace her for who she was beyond her silence.
Observing Lily's contemplative expression, Xena's tone softened as she broached a sensitive topic. "Lily... speaking of men, and given my profession as a cop... has that guy finally backed off? The one who was giving you trouble?"
Lily visibly tensed, a shiver coursing down her spine. "He came in this morning, " she began signing, her expression showing an edge of apprehension. " I could feel his gaze on me. He lingered for about an hour before he approached Doris and me, asking me out again. I declined, but he persisted until he finally left after a couple minutes. Then, I believe it was him who called several times throughout the day, asking for me through Doris. Each time, Doris explained that I couldn't speak, and the caller hung up."
Xena's frustration boiled over, her exasperated groan echoing through the room as she collapsed back onto the sofa. "It's infuriating," she lamented, her voice tinged with frustration. "As a cop, I'm fully aware of what's happening, but thanks to the damn laws, my hands are tied! 'He hasn't laid a finger on her,' 'We can't prove it's him making those calls,' ‘He leaves without crossing any legal lines.' It's maddening!" She clenched her fists in frustration, the weight of legal constraints bearing down on her.
Her gaze shifted to Xena, her expression laden with concern. "Xena… Just before you arrived, I thought I saw someone on the other side of the parking lot," she added, a shudder rippling through her.
Xena's jaw clenched, her eyes narrowing with determination as she retrieved her phone. "That's beyond unsettling..." she muttered, swiftly dialing a number. "Let me call in a favor from one of my police buddies. They'll swing by and check the area out. You start the game, I'll be back," she declared, rising from her seat and striding out of the room.
Lily's shoulders sagged with a mixture of relief and guilt, knowing she was putting her friend in a difficult position. Despite her unease, she made an effort to calm herself, focusing her attention on starting the game. For about fifteen minutes, she immersed herself in the virtual world, navigating through challenges and obstacles.
When Xena returned and settled back onto the sofa beside her, Lily felt a sense of reassurance wash over her. Xena informed her that her police friend would swing by after completing his rounds, offering a comforting presence in the midst of her anxiety.
Having only one controller available, Lily took the reins of the game, with Xena acting as her guide and mentor. Whenever Lily encountered difficulties or faced setbacks in the game, Xena provided invaluable advice and guidance, offering tips on strategy and pointing out the locations of hidden treasures. Despite the tension lingering in the air, their shared laughter and camaraderie lent a sense of normalcy to the evening, reminding Lily of the unwavering support she had in her best friend.
The hours flew by, and Lily found herself making significant progress in the game, thanks to Xena's expert guidance. She couldn't help but marvel at how much faster they were progressing together than she would have on her own. Yet, despite her excitement, a nagging worry crept into her mind as she glanced at the clock. It was already past 10 PM, and there was still no sign of the expected delivery. Where could they be? Had the storm delayed them? Were they lost? The thought of abandoning her post and heading home crossed her mind, frustration bubbling up within her.
Just as she entertained the idea, Xena interrupted her thoughts with a suggestion. "Do you just wanna get out of here? It's getting late, and they still aren't here—" Before she could finish her sentence, a loud banging echoed through the room, causing both of them to jump.
Xena sprang into action, rising from her seat and making her way towards the door of the room. Pausing to listen, they both heard the banging again, originating from the storage room, likely the side door.
Giving a reassuring smile, Xena turned back to Lily. "Let me handle this. You keep playing the game; I'll take care of the delivery." With that, she exited the room, her voice echoing back to Lily. "You better be out of that underground mess by the time I get back!"
Lily silently chuckled at Xena's playful warning, then she returned her focus to the game, resuming her playthrough with renewed determination. Navigating through the underground passages, she soon found herself confronting Albert Wesker and a mind-controlled Jill Valentine. Sensing the impending showdown, she paused the game, glancing at her phone. The time read almost 11 PM, and Xena had yet to return.
A sense of unease crept over Lily as she set the controller down and rose from her seat, her footsteps echoing through the empty library. Something felt amiss, stirring a knot of anxiety in her stomach. Arriving at the door of the storage room, she rapped on it loudly, hoping for a response, but was met with silence. Where was Xena?
Trepidation growing, Lily pushed open the door and cautiously entered the dimly lit room. One of the storage lights flickered ominously overhead, casting eerie shadows across the cluttered space. Regret washed over her for not replacing the faulty light sooner, as she scanned the room, her heart pounding in her chest.
Once Lily approached the side door, the distant rumble of the storm outside grew louder, amplified by the partially ajar door. Having a full view now, her heart lurched at the sight before her: Xena lay unconscious against the wall, her figure illuminated dimly by the flickering light. Fear and panic surged through Lily as she hurried over, dropping to her knees beside her friend. She shook Xena's shoulders frantically, her hand recoiling as she felt the warmth of blood upon her fingertips. A sense of dread washed over her as she gently tilted Xena's head, revealing a small but ominous head wound on the side, from which blood trickled steadily.
A low groan escaped Xena's lips, momentarily easing Lily's panic while she placed a trembling hand on her friend's shoulder. Xena managed to open one eye, her gaze clouded with pain. "Lily... you have to get out... or hide..." she murmured weakly, her words punctuated by another groan. Lily's heart raced as she listened, her mind reeling with terror at the gravity of the situation. "That guy... he's..." Xena's voice trailed off, her hand drifting to her head before she succumbed to unconsciousness once more, her head slumping against the wall.
Lily's breath caught in her throat, a sense of helplessness washing over her. She knew she needed to call for help, but fear immobilized her. She wasn't a fighter, and the thought of confronting whoever had harmed Xena filled her with dread.
Desperation gripped Lily, realizing the urgent need to call for help. She frantically patted the pockets of her dress, only to come up empty-handed. Her heart sank when she glanced over Xena, checking her pockets, her search yielding no results. Heart feeling heavy, she acknowledged the absence of her phone, leaving her feeling utterly vulnerable and exposed. The urge to cry, to hide, to flee, threatened to overwhelm her, but she couldn’t leave Xena and knew she had to act, to seek help by any means necessary.
Extracting a handkerchief from her pocket, Lily gingerly tended to Xena's head wound, wrapping it tightly in a makeshift bandage in a desperate attempt to staunch the bleeding. With trembling resolve, she ventured out of the storage room, her steps cautious and deliberate. The front desk beckoned her, offering the closest means of communication. Hastening to the desk, she seized the work phone and brought it to her ear, her fingers hovering over the keypad in readiness to dial 9-1-1. Yet, her hopes were dashed once she realized the chilling truth—the phone line was dead. No hum of connection, no dial tone, nothing but silence. Her worst fears were confirmed as she inspected the other phones, finding them all in the same state—lines severed, rendering them useless.
A sense of dread enveloped Lily as she surveyed her surroundings, the dim library lights casting ominous shadows. The assailant who had harmed Xena lurked somewhere within the building, a sinister presence she couldn't locate. Lily blinked in disbelief, feeling wetness on her cheeks, the realization dawning upon her—she was crying, tears flowed freely, a manifestation of her panic-induced state, a stark reminder of her dire predicament in the face of danger.
An urgent sense of responsibility drove Lily back to Xena's side, her heart heavy with concern for her friend's well-being. Despite the lack of phones, she was determined to make use of the emergency supplies stored in the room. Hurrying back, she checked on Xena, her heart sinking at the sight of the blood-soaked handkerchief and Xena's pallid complexion. However, she found solace in the steadiness of Xena's breathing, a small comfort amidst the chaos.
With a decisive resolve, Lily rose to her feet and retrieved the emergency supplies from a nearby shelf. Among them were waterproof flares—her beacon of hope amidst the raging storm. If she couldn't call for help, she would make the library a beacon for anyone who could see through the tempest. Gripping several flares tightly, she wasted no time in lighting them one by one, hurling them out of the side door in both directions. The rain hammered down mercilessly, each drop feeling like a stinging assault against her skin.
Heart pounding in her ears, Lily dashed towards the front desk, her movements fueled by adrenaline. Unlocking the entrance, she flung it open, casting several lit flares out towards the parking lot. One flare remaining, she ignited it and tossed it near the entrance before shutting the door, leaving it unlocked. Her attempt to attract attention made, she resolved to retrieve her phone and call for help.
Cautiously retracing her steps to the hangout room, Lily breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her paused game and her phone resting on the coffee table. Hastily seizing her phone, she dialed 9-1-1, relief flooding her when she heard the reassuring voice of the operator on the other end.
"9-1-1, what's your emergency?" a female voice on the other end queried.
Lily, unable to respond verbally, emitted a sharp whistle in lieu of words.
"Hello? Did you just whistle?" the woman's tone held a note of confusion.
Undeterred, Lily whistled again, this time at a higher pitch, her only means of communication in this dire moment.
"Hold on one moment... I have your address, and your number seems to be saved in our system. Is this Lily Kennedy?" the woman inquired, her voice tinged with concern. In the background, a male voice interjected, "Lily Kennedy? That's Xena's friend. Xena should be there with her. Lily's mute... something must be wrong."
Responding with another whistle, Lily's attention was suddenly diverted upon hearing the door shut behind her. Whipping around, she found herself face to face with the man who had been harassing her for the past few weeks.
The man stood before her, clad in the same attire he had worn earlier that day—damp blue jeans, a dark green shirt, a puffy gray jacket, and grimy gray sneakers, all dripping with rainwater. His wet black hair clung to his scalp, appearing oily even while wet, while his bloodshot brown eyes bore into hers with a manic intensity, his lips contorted into a deranged grin.
"Lily... I'm sorry I kept you waiting. I was attending to some matters around the building. I-I intended to come to you immediately... I had hoped it would be you opening the door, not that wretched friend of yours..." His voice dripped with disdain.
Though Lily could vaguely hear voices emanating from her phone, her focus remained fixed on the man obstructing her path to safety.
"Lily! Help is on the way! Stay safe!" a voice from her phone urged urgently.
The crazed man's grin widened, his demeanor becoming increasingly unsettling. "Time is running short. Come with me. Be with me, as we're meant to be," he implored, extending his hand towards her.
Lily shook her head slowly, clutching her phone tightly in one hand while reaching for the Xbox controller with the other. Sensing her hesitation, the man's smile faltered slightly, his gaze fixated on her every movement.
"Lily, honey, don't resist. I know you feel it too, perhaps not as deeply as I do, but it's there. We're destined to be together," he pleaded, taking a step closer to her, his intentions clear and menacing.
She shook her head adamantly once more, edging away towards the farthest end of the sofa. Despite the urgent pleas from her phone urging her to keep her distance and escape, the crazed man's relentless advance left her trembling with fear, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Why are you rejecting me, Lily? I'm the only one who can truly be with you. Can't you see that?" His voice dripped with frustration, his brow furrowing in disbelief.
Lily's heart pounded in her chest as she backed away, her senses heightened with apprehension. The man's sudden shift from anger to eerie calmness sent chills down her spine, his words ominous and foreboding. "If you refuse to be with me, then I'll ensure that no one else can be with you," he declared, his resolve palpable as he advanced towards her menacingly.
An unspoken scream of terror echoed within Lily as she maneuvered around the sofa, desperately attempting to maintain her distance from her assailant. When he closed in on her side of the sofa, fueled by adrenaline and instinct, she seized the Xbox controller and hurled it with all her might towards him. The impact struck him squarely in the head, eliciting a cry of pain and a string of curses as he recoiled, momentarily distracted.
In the chaos that ensued, the game became unpaused, filling the room with intense combat music. Heart racing, Lily seized the opportunity to dart around the sofa, putting more distance between herself and her attacker. Though the situation remained dire, a glimmer of hope ignited within her as she realized she might have inadvertently gained a brief advantage in her fight for survival.
While Albert Wesker's chilling words echoed in the room, "Seven minutes. Seven minutes is all I can spare to play with you," Lily's heart raced with a mix of terror and determination. Giving a silent prayer for her own survival, she seized the opportunity while her assailant was momentarily distracted by his own pain and made a desperate dash for the door.
Just as her fingers brushed against the doorknob and she swung the door open, she felt a sudden, violent yank on her hair, wrenching her backwards. Her phone slipped from her grasp when she was flung towards the kitchenette area, crashing onto her back with a jolt. Gritting her teeth against the pain, Lily struggled to push herself upright, but before she could regain her footing, she was violently shoved back down, her breath knocked out of her.
Hands closed around her throat with a vice-like grip, cutting off her air supply as her attacker loomed over her with a maniacal grin. "Lily, my sweet, once I take you out, then I'll take myself out next to you, so we'll be together in death!" His words dripped with madness, sending shivers down Lily's spine.
Using every ounce of strength she could muster, Lily scratched, pulled, kicked and thrashed, desperately trying to break free from his suffocating grasp. But his grip only tightened, his deranged smile widening as she struggled in vain. Tears streamed down her cheeks as panic consumed her, the lack of oxygen taking its toll on her weakening body. Each movement became more labored, more sluggish, as she fought for her life against the relentless onslaught of her crazed assailant.
The man's eerie laughter was abruptly cut short when he was forcefully tackled away from Lily, leaving her gasping and coughing, struggling to regain her breath as she crawled away from the chaos unfolding before her. Hands trembling, she clung to the edge of the kitchenette counter, using it as leverage to pull herself upright.
While Lily's vision cleared, she beheld the scene before her—Xena locked in a fierce struggle with the crazed man, his face contorted with madness as he brandished a menacing blade concealed beneath his jacket. Snarling, he lunged at Xena, his intentions clear and chilling.
Xena, though weakened from her earlier head wound, held her own against her assailant, dodging his frenzied attacks with a mixture of agility and defiance. "You've got some serious issues, you fucking lunatic!" she yelled, her voice laced with anger and disbelief.
Lily watched the two in horror; Xena landed a punch on the man's jaw, momentarily stunning him. Their eyes met briefly, and Xena's voice cut through the chaos with a desperate plea, "Lily! Get out of here!"
Lily's breathing became erratic, panic seizing her, still struggling to draw in air, her body wracked with pain. Despite her own weakness and injuries, she mustered all her strength gesturing, to try and warn Xena of the crazed man's impending attack. But before Xena could react, the man unleashed a brutal kick to her abdomen, sending her staggering backward, clutching her stomach in agony as she retreated, trying to create some space to recover.
"You just had to get in the way! Everything would've been perfect if you hadn't been around!" The man's voice dripped with venom; he charged towards Xena, his blade poised to strike. Feeling a surge of courage born out of desperation, Lily threw herself between her friend and the impending danger, bracing herself for the inevitable impact.
The world seemed to slow to a crawl once the blade pierced Lily's flesh, plunging into her chest with a sickening thud. Pain exploded through her body, but she pushed through it, driven by instinct and a fierce desire to protect her friend.
Hands trembling, the man withdrew the blade, horror etched across his face as he recoiled in disbelief. "No, no, no, no, NO! This wasn't supposed to happen! Not yet!" he cried out, his hands outstretched in futile denial.
Lily staggered back against Xena, who caught her, their bodies collapsing to the ground together. With her own trembling hands, Xena pressed down on Lily's chest, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood while panic and despair threatened to overwhelm them both.
Lily's gaze locked with Xena's tear-filled eyes, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. As a sensation rose in her throat, she coughed, feeling something heavy and warm spewing forth. She weakly wiped at her mouth, only to find them stained crimson with blood. The realization hit her like a sledgehammer—she was dying.
Meanwhile, the crazed man's frantic self-flagellation echoed through the room. "No, no! It wasn't supposed to be like this! This… This is your fault!" His words were punctuated by the menacing glint of the blade, once again brandishing it towards Xena, his sanity unraveling before their eyes.
A sudden gunshot shattered the tense atmosphere, followed by the sickening thud of the blade hitting the ground. The crazed man collapsed, his body motionless, as a soaked officer entered the room with a determined stride. Swiftly assessing the situation, he kicked the blade aside before confirming the man's demise with clinical efficiency.
Turning his attention to Xena and Lily, the officer's voice cut through the haze of despair. He called for an immediate ambulance, but Lily knew the truth—the ambulance wouldn't arrive in time to save her. The cold grip of mortality tightened around her, draining away her warmth as she lay there, helpless and fading.
"Lily… I'm so, so sorry, Lily… Please… Please just hold on a bit longer, please…" Xena's voice broke with anguish while she held Lily close, her tears mingling with Lily's own.
Feeling the pressure of the officer's hand against her chest, Lily lifted her own hand to touch it, her fingers coming away slick with blood. With a trembling effort, she turned her gaze to the side, her breaths growing labored. Using the last of her strength, she traced words onto the floor beside her in her own blood.
" It ok. Luv u. "
After she finished, another wave of blood surged from her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks. Xena's cries intensified, her declarations of love echoing through the room whilst she begged Lily to hold on.
Lily felt the encroaching coldness enveloping her, the darkness closing in. Xena's head pressed against the top of hers, her desperate pleas mingling with Lily's fading consciousness.
Her eyelids grew heavy, the world slipping away. Glancing one last time at the TV screen, she saw the stark message glaring back at her: "You are dead. Continue? Yes No." The timer ticked down inexorably… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… And then, in that final moment, Lily slipped away from this world.