The Moment Of Bliss

Sheer dread grips my heart in a strangling hold. Gradually, I raise my head from Vladimir's chest. His garments were soaked with my tears.

My eyes meet with none other than Ivan Molotov's.

He merely emits a sinister cackle, halting his applause. Eyes full of undiluted malice, regard me from across the room.

In his gloved hands, he holds a closed syringe. Ever so slowly, he approaches ne arer. From his other hand, he drops a pile of slashed cords that were attached to Vladimir's body. My eyes trace them back toward the hospital machinery, now nonfunctional.

"Wh-What are you doing?!" Immediately, I vault from my seat. I nearly stumble, my footsteps retreating backward. My voice lets out in fearful disbelief. "Wh-What do you mean?"

He sighs, shaking his head in seemingly mock guilt. "I'm afraid I have no choice but to also end you along Vladimir."

"What?!" My eyes widen in terror as I look from his face to the syringe gripped in his palm.

"Why?! What are you talking about?!"

"Shhh." He