[ despite knowing what's behind her, she looks back, anyway. sometimes, elena stupidly believes that if she does that, things will change. the chasm will become a bridge to somewhere nice and cozy, and she can sit by a fire and thaw out. ]

I haven't gone that way yet. [ "yet", she says, like she's capable of thought right now.

she crosses her arms against her chest and feels no warmth spark. ] I hope there's something for us to warm ourselves up in. [ she lets out a small, sheepish laugh. ] I think I'm going crazy. I thought I saw a ball of light here.

[ yeah, she's inviting herself to come along. ]