Page 111 of Irreversible

I think of Jasper, imagining our last moments together, lips locked, limbs tangled, as we swayed in the foyer to a silent song. All our life’s memories careen through me like a warm wave.

He’s the love of my life.

Always. Forever.

When I open my eyes, Jasper’s lips are moving, but all I hear are the thumps of my heart and a pitchy ringing sound, howling in my ears. A dirge.

No, I won’t be able to live with myself after this moment.

But it won’t matter. I don’t have much time left. My heartache will be short-lived, scattered to the wind in a few days’ time.

My chin wobbles as I glance between Isaac and Jasper.

Sound whirrs back to life, suffocating me.

Noise. Shouting. Scuffing feet and haggard breaths.

“Time is ticking. Ten seconds…”

“Everly, God, please.” Jasper begs for his life as he fights against the guard. “Fuck, please, what is this? No…no, let me go!”

“Five seconds…”

Isaac says nothing. He just sits there, already knowing the end of this story.

“Three, two…”

“Everly! Everly, goddammit!”

“One…”

My eyes land on Isaac as I give my final answer, knowing there’s only one name I can say: “Jasper.”

The timepiece is placed in front of Isaac, just as the final grains of sand breach the bottom of the glass.

Time is up.

My vision goes white. Guilt eats away at everything vital. My stomach contracts, bile crawling up my throat in bitter waves.

Isaac has no reaction.

He just sits there, slumped over in the chair, breathing heavily through the bag.

I turn away.

I can’t look at him.

The Timekeeper smirks, glancing at Isaac. “Looks like she made her choice. And as the kids say—no backsies.” Then he turns and barks an order at the guard, snapping a hand at me and Jasper. “Lock these two up.”

Tendrils of icy fear coil around my heart. Pure dread.

Jasper is hauled through the door first, calling my name. Fighting and kicking.

“No!” My feet slide every which way, panic climbing. “Please, no!”

I’m flailing.

Failing.

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