Fading Echoes of Love

Chapter 3 - The Unexpected Turn of Events

With a weak smile, Cheyenne beckoned the car and looked up at Sierra. “Sierra, could you hold onto this for me, please? I’m afraid I might lose it. Truth be told, I’m barely holding on here. I might even collapse any second now. And if I lose that contract, Delilah will have my head.”

Despite enduring so much, Cheyenne maintained a composed facade, though her face contorted into an ugly expression. The alcohol had lowered her guard, evidenced by her addressing the CEO by her first name.

Sierra, who reeked of booze and seemed unaware of Cheyenne’s presence, didn’t notice her approach. When Cheyenne saw that she wasn’t following, she backtracked and waved her over. “Come on, Sierra. I don’t want to vomit in the street.”

Braving the chilly night air, Sierra and Cheyenne hailed a cab. Cheyenne held the door open and gestured for Sierra to climb into the backseat while she settled into the front passenger seat.

The driver raced down the smooth road, turning each wheel as if they were about to take off. Sierra gripped the handrail, cautioning the driver to slow down multiple times. She didn’t want Cheyenne to feel uncomfortable after drinking too much. The driver made promises, but after two minutes of compliance, he once again took off like a rocket. Luckily, they arrived at the hotel safely.

Cheyenne was still holding her own at the karaoke, even though the car was a real beast. But once they got out, her legs gave out and she couldn’t stand up straight. Sierra helped her out of the car and saw Cheyenne’s green eyes, but she couldn’t support herself, even after slowing down.

The driver knew he had let her drink too much and urged her to get out of the car, afraid she might vomit inside. After paying the driver, Sierra pulled Cheyenne out of the car and asked, “Are you okay? Are you with us?”

Cheyenne responded with a heavy “hmm” and struggled to lift her feet. “Sierra, I’m really sorry…thank you for tomorrow,” she said.

Sierra didn’t answer, afraid that Cheyenne might pass out right there. She took a deep breath and quickly dragged her away. Cheyenne tried to keep a steady pace as they made their way towards the hotel entrance. However, as they approached the revolving door, she suddenly stopped.

In the door, positioned diagonally across from each other, were two majestic unicorns. Their spiraled horns were held high as they gracefully rotated in a circle, steadily moving forward but always separated by distance. Their bodies exuded a magical and ethereal aura, while their eyes glimmered with a pure white light. The unicorns’ forelegs were lifted high, as if they were ready to take flight into the mystical realm beyond.

Despite her intoxicated state, Cheyenne couldn’t help but marvel at the sight before her. She stared at the unicorns, entranced by their beauty and grace. Sierra gently tugged at her arm, urging her to move forward. Finally, Cheyenne tore her gaze away and they stepped through the door and into the lobby.

As they walked towards the elevator, Sierra couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. She knew Cheyenne had been drinking too much, and she didn’t want her to get sick. But at the same time, she couldn’t deny the allure of the magical creatures they had just seen. It was as if they were a sign of something greater, something beyond the mundane world they inhabited.

Cheyenne, for her part, was lost in thought. She couldn’t explain why, but the sight of the unicorns had stirred something within her. It was as if they had awakened a long-dormant part of her soul, one that yearned for magic and wonder. She knew that she was in no condition to explore those feelings further, but she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what the future might hold.

Sierra struggled to drag Cheyenne towards the hotel with the help of the staff. Cheyenne muttered something incomprehensible about the unicorn, causing Sierra to feel both frustrated and concerned for her friend. Eventually, they arrived at Cheyenne’s guest room and she was settled in for the night. Sierra was left sweating in the chilly weather, feeling drained from the ordeal.

Upon returning to her own room, Sierra took a much-needed bath and quickly succumbed to exhaustion, drifting off to sleep. The following morning, she was roused by the bright sun streaming through the window. She realized that she had forgotten to draw the curtains the previous night and had nearly passed out from the heat.

Sierra still felt a twinge in her temples and was recovering from a mild illness. As she freshened up, she noticed the contract sitting on the table. She wondered if Cheyenne was feeling well enough to inspect the cabinet that day.

As she was washing up, the doorbell chimed. Through the peephole, she saw Cheyenne standing outside. Wearing her bathrobe, Sierra hesitated to open the door.

“Cheyenne, why are you up so early?” she called out.

Cheyenne’s voice responded from the other side of the door. “I came to thank you. I lost track of time last night. How long will it take you to get ready?”

Sierra took a deep breath and composed herself before replying, “Give me twenty minutes.” She quickly finished getting ready and opened the door to find Cheyenne waiting patiently outside.

They made their way to the cabinet, and Cheyenne seemed to be feeling much better. As they inspected the cabinet, Sierra couldn’t help but think back to the sight of the unicorns the night before. She wondered if they had somehow brought a bit of magic into their otherwise mundane lives.

Those in high positions in the workplace have learned to weather many storms. They have developed a tenacity of steel, whether they like it or not. Despite having a rough night of drinking, Sierra was up early the next day, eager to inspect the cabinet with enthusiasm.

With the arrival of the new General Manager and Vice President, everyone was on their best behavior. Cheyenne, accompanied by the Regional Manager and middle-level executives, would always patrol alongside Sierra, creating a striking image. Despite reaching the height of her career before turning thirty, everyone who followed Cheyenne was older than her. Despite her success, Cheyenne remained humble and approachable.

During one patrol, Cheyenne noticed a customer service representative with a crooked bow tie. She graciously stepped forward to fix it herself, leaving the representative enchanted by her kindness.

After a long day of patrolling, it was time for Sierra to return home to New York City. However, she discovered that her wallet was missing amidst the chaos of the previous night. After arriving at the station to reissue her temporary ID card, she missed her scheduled train and was forced to purchase another ticket. She finally secured a train ticket for 7:30 in the evening, arriving home by eleven o’clock that night.

Two individuals find themselves in the waiting room together, but they are not exactly friends. Forced to wait together for over an hour, the atmosphere is both awkward and boring. However, Cheyenne manages to find something interesting to occupy her time by wandering around the station while Sierra puts on her headphones and listens to music. Eventually, their departure time arrives.

As they make their way to catch their train during the peak of the weekend return journey, they are met with a large crowd waiting for the train. Upon boarding the train, the one side is filled with backpacks and suitcases, with some people moving against the flow, causing Sierra to step back several times.

Cheyenne manages to find a spot to store her luggage and turns around to wave to Sierra in the crowd. Due to the lack of available seating, Sierra must sit next to Cheyenne, who places her luggage onto the luggage rack. After thanking Cheyenne, Sierra sits down, only to have a suitcase fly over her head and strike her on the head.

Sierra winces in pain and looks up to see a disheveled man lifting his suitcase to force his way through the crowded aisle, heedless of the people he pushes aside. One man, who had been jostled by the rude traveler, complains loudly. The man has round eyes and half-white hair. He feels his box being struck and turns to glare at Sierra, but offers no apology. He pushes forward and disappears into the throng.

“Are you all right, Sierra? He didn’t even offer an apology,” Cheyenne voiced her concern.

Sierra responded with a resigned shake of her head. As the passengers settled into their seats, the train departed the platform and gradually made its way into the darkness of the night.

The blinding light inside the carriage made it difficult to discern the scenery outside. Bright city lights were quickly replaced by dilapidated buildings that resembled ghosts, and overgrown wilderness that felt empty. The train journeyed alone, cutting through the darkness with its powerful headlights.

As the train hurtled through the night at an astonishing speed, it remained steady and cozy. However, the temperature inside could be uncomfortably warm, and Sierra found the unceasing noise to be the most bothersome. The constant clamor of announcements and chatter pierced her eardrums, leaving her feeling disoriented and overwhelmed.

“Check the hook!”

“Go right!”

“Do you still have it?”

“Look at it!”

“Pa” - a cacophony of voices.

“You Ya and Bomb Round, you guys aren’t playing?”

“Are you kidding? I played it last round, why would I lie about this pair of cards?”

“It’s too embarrassing, let’s not play, let’s not play!”

“Why not play? We have three hours to kill.”

“Let’s play the killing game.”

Seated behind Sierra was a group of college students consisting of three men and three women. They had arranged themselves in two rows, facing each other, and were engrossed in a game of cards that frequently erupted in laughter, startling Sierra from her drowsy state. The events of the previous night’s hangover and the day’s cabinet patrol had left her feeling tense, and she had hoped to use the two-hour train ride to rest and recharge for the upcoming workday. Unfortunately, that didn’t seem like it was going to happen.

After pulling into a small station, Sierra cast a sideways glance at Cheyenne, who appeared to be a young woman in her element. Despite having clearly had a rough night, Cheyenne was still sharp enough to be reading industry analyses and reports on her computer. Her surroundings didn’t seem to faze her in the least.

Cheyenne’s rich, warm complexion drew attention to her slightly furrowed brows and petite chin. Her skin, the color of delicious cocoa, radiated a natural glow that complemented her 100% feminine beauty. Despite her delicate features, there was a strength and determination in the set of her jaw and the intensity of her gaze that hinted at a heroic spirit within her.

Sierra was feeling weary from her business trip, and Cheyenne appeared to be in the same state, her droopy eyes reluctant to leave the screen. Initially, Sierra had assumed that this trip would be a fierce competition with Cheyenne, and that their new boss would take every opportunity for revenge. However, things had taken an unexpected turn. When they were alone, Cheyenne didn’t bother her and even went out of her way to assist her.

As a result, Sierra began to feel a subtle shift in her emotions. Maybe this wasn’t a competition or revenge, but a turning point that could lead them to unexpected places. However, Sierra’s thoughts were proven wrong in the end.

This trip turned out to be quite eventful, but not in a positive way. Instead of warmth and excitement, it was filled with blood and death.

Just as Sierra was about to drift off to sleep, the train carriage lights dimmed, and the entire train shook violently, prompting everyone to let out a stifled scream. It felt as though Sierra had fallen off a cliff, and she instinctively grabbed Cheyenne’s arm for support. Like a cautious cat, Cheyenne immediately straightened up and clasped Sierra’s hand in hers.

Sierra couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease, as if something ominous was looming over them. She glanced over at Cheyenne, who seemed lost in thought, her brows furrowed in concentration. Sierra wondered if her colleague was also picking up on the strange energy that hung in the air.

As the train began to slow down, Sierra noticed that they were approaching a tunnel. The darkness swallowed them whole as they entered, and for a moment, Sierra’s heart raced with fear. But soon enough, the tunnel ended, and the train emerged back into the open air.

It was then that Sierra saw something that made her blood run cold. A figure was standing on the tracks ahead, illuminated by the bright headlights of the train. It was a man, tall and lanky, dressed in all black. He was holding something in his hand that glinted menacingly in the light.

Sierra’s breath caught in her throat as she realized what it was. A gun.

Abruptly, a man and woman who had been seated on the opposite side of the train aisle suddenly rose to their feet, snatched their backpacks, and strode briskly towards the junction of the carriages. Sierra watched them closely until they vanished from sight.

Without warning, Sierra was overcome by a prickling sensation that began to spread throughout her body. She tightened her grip on the objects in her hand, trying to steady herself.

Just a few moments ago, Cheyenne had been drenched by a large cup of water that had spilled onto her lap. She had attempted to clean up the mess with napkins, but Sierra’s alert expression had made her uneasy. Cheyenne clutched Sierra’s hand more tightly and asked in a soft voice:

“Are you okay, Sierra? Are you frightened?”

Sierra’s entire body tensed up as if every muscle was being flexed with immense force. She was oppressed by a strange force that left her gasping for air. It was a familiar sensation, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint its source.

“Sierra?” Cheyenne moved closer, looking concerned.

Sierra met Cheyenne’s gaze, then slowly relaxed her grip on Cheyenne’s hand and exhaled deeply. She made a conscious effort to calm herself down.

Sierra was struggling to maintain a smile when suddenly a deafening blast rang in her ears. A mist of blood and a sticky, unfamiliar substance erupted before her, momentarily blinding her. The train was plunged into chaos, screams and cries filling the air, as if a giant fish tank had shattered onto concrete. Panic set in as Sierra tried to erase the gruesome scene before her, but then someone collapsed into her arms.

“Help! Move aside! Step on the pedal!”

Amidst the heart-wrenching screams and desperate attempts to escape, Sierra’s hair became a disheveled mess. She tried to get up multiple times, but a frantic hand held her back. The seat beneath her shook and rattled as explosions grew louder and more frequent, sending her into a state of panic.

What was causing all this commotion? And where was Cheyenne?

“Cheyenne!” Sierra yelled into the chaos, but received no answer. She tried again, “Cheyenne!” but her voice was drowned out by the noise around her. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, and when her vision cleared, she froze.

Blood.

It was everywhere. Her sleeves, face, clothes, and even the entire carriage were soaked in it. Cheyenne lay on her lap, a bloody hole in the back of her head, and the sticky substance still flowing out, staining her thighs red.

Sierra’s eyes widened, and she remained frozen for several seconds. She could see, but her mind refused to comprehend what was happening. Why was there blood? What had happened to Cheyenne?

After a few seconds, she finally realized the horrifying truth.

Cheyenne was dead.

A cold, hard object was propped up against the back of her head, and Sierra’s heart felt like it was on a rollercoaster, racing and expanding rapidly. Before she could even react, everything exploded in an instant.