Facing Demons

Ethan and Rachel stumbled through the dark, dank corridors of the mine, their breathing ragged and heavy with exhaustion. The chilling echoes of Ryan's dying screams haunted them, but they couldn't afford to stop for even a moment. Tears blurred Ethan's vision as he struggled to come to grips with the loss of his friend, but he knew he had to press on.

"Rachel, we have to keep moving," he urged between gasps, leading her by the arm as they navigated the winding passages. "It's still following us."

"Does it ever get tired?" she choked out, her voice laced with terror.

As they rounded another bend, Ethan noticed something peculiar about the creature's movements. Its once-fluid gait appeared sluggish, its once-piercing screeches now sounded weakened. It was as if the monster was struggling to maintain its pursuit.

"Wait a second," he said, slowing down slightly. "This thing... it's not as strong as it was six years ago. Look at it – it can hardly keep up with us."