#Chapter 146: The Final Round

Abby The air in the studio feels dense with anticipation as Karl and I walk back to our station together. The crowd murmurs as they become aware of the implications: that only Daniel and I are returning, and Bryan, the third contestant, is nowhere to be found despite the fact that the winners of the second round were never officially announced. “You okay?” Karl murmurs as we take our spots, standing next to each other with our shoulders touching. I nod and shrug at the same time, a sense of guilt and trepidation washing over me. “Yes. Sort of. Maybe. I don’t know,” I murmur, clearing my throat subtly. Karl shoots me a confused look from beneath his blue surgical mask. “What does that mean?” he asks, worry lacing his voice. I can’t contain my sigh. “It means that, if it weren’t for Bryan’s mother dying, I wouldn’t be standing here right now,” I say quietly. “And I’m not sure how to feel about it, if I’m being honest.” Karl is silent for a moment before he speaks. “List