In the dimly lit room of the escape challenge, the air felt heavy with tension. The walls were adorned with cryptic symbols, and a countdown timer on the far wall ticked ominously, glaring down at Nathan and his friend, Liam. They’d been here for what felt like hours. Fumbling through puzzles and cracking codes, they had stumbled upon this final obstacle.

Liam lay on the floor, his face contorted in pain. A metal beam had fallen during one of the earlier challenges, leaving him with a nasty gash on his leg. Nathan’s heart raced, not just from the adrenaline of the escape room, but also from fear for his friend's safety. They had almost completed the challenge, only seconds remaining, but now they faced a heart-wrenching decision. The overhead duct was their only route to freedom—a narrow, dark space that promised escape but was meant for one.

“Go, Nate!” Liam gasped between clenched teeth. “I can’t make it. You have to save yourself!”

Nathan shook his head, desperation rising in his chest. “No way! I’m not leaving you here!”

“You’re stronger than me! You can do this. You’ll find a way to come back for me. I’m slowing you down.” Liam’s words were pained but resolute.

Nathan looked...