As soon as Mike let go, Valerie crumbled like a deflated doll.
I caught her in my arms, showing that I didn't even mind the fact that she was drenched in dirty water and carried her to the nearest sofa.
At this point, she was slipping in and out of unconsciousness.
I massaged her swollen neck lightly to help with breathing and soon, her breathing became steady.
"You are going to be alright, don't worry." I comforted her.
"Thank you, Karl." Valerie said in a raspy voice and gave me a small, forced smile.
I assumed that she was forcing herself to smile because of the pain in her neck, and probably lungs.
"No problem. We are friends after all, and it's my duty to help you." I said with a smile of my own.
Valerie's POV
I heard Karl's voice telling Mike to let me go just as I was about to pass out completely.
'So, he finally decided to move.' That was my first thought, but I didn't care much as long as I could save my little life.
