Seconds of Survival

The rain was relentless, drumming against the cracked pavement as red laser dots flickered ominously on the walls. Richard banged the door again, his voice raw and pleading.

"Paul, please. She's dying! You owe me this!"

From inside, a muffled voice replied, sharp with anguish. "Owe you? I owed my family, Richard! And where were you when they burned?"

Richard's hand dropped, his shoulders slumping under the weight of the past. The door remained shut, its guardian resolute in his pain.