But I took the lantern. If I hadn't taken the lantern, the spectre would still be here to do… whatever it is they're doing.

[ she looks to the side as if a spectre will appear in the corner, lit up like a firefly. none come by. she shakes her head, peering into the darkness like it's capable fo giving her an answer. her heart races in her chest; this is her fault. if she had left the lantern in the snow like everyone else did, then they wouldn't have been out here.

then they wouldn't know something dangerous is out there. a part of elena is glad to have witnessed it, but the portion of her that feels guilty over causing any harm is louder. ]

They probably left the lanterns behind so we'd look after them and leave them where they were.