Kai stayed away from the ledge
But the voices didn't
They followed him
In mirrors
In windows
In dreams
Every time he blinked
He saw the hand
The numbers carved into its wrist
Counting something else
Something worse
Then he saw her
At the edge of the plaza
Wearing a black jacket too big for her
Staring straight at him
Like she could actually see
He froze
She walked over
Eyes pale
Empty
But focused
"You're not vanished" she said
His heart skipped
"You can see me"
She nodded
"I'm like you"
Then paused
"Wait...what's your name again?"
She couldn't remember anything
Not her own name
Not her countdown
Not why she could see him
But she remembered one thing
"Hearing your name brought me back"
They sat on the rooftop
Watching the cracks in the sky
The girl pointed at them
"That's where we're all going"
Kai didn't ask what she meant
Not yet
He just asked
"What do I call you?"
She looked at him
Then smiled
"Call me Echo"