Abandoned by All I Took It All Back novel Chapter 612

There were two videos. She tapped on the first one.

The footage was from a security camera, and the date stamp indicated it was the day before Damaris's death. She walked to a secluded area on the east side of the complex and circled a tree nine times. Then, she stopped abruptly in the deepest part of the shadow and dropped to her knees. She clasped her hands, raised them above her head, and her lips moved as if she were chanting. The camera didn't record any sound. It looked like she was praying to someone or making a wish.

After about a minute, she lowered her arms, prostrated herself, and began measuring the paving stones with her hands, one palm-length at a time. After covering a certain distance, she stood up, bowed to the tree for three seconds, then straightened up and walked home.

The video ended there.

Janina and the others watched intently, none of them speaking. She then played the second video.

The date stamp showed it was the day of Damaris's self-immolation. She entered an elevator carrying a gas can, pressed the button for the top floor, and stood with her back to the camera. She remained perfectly still as the elevator ascended. At the 25th floor, the elevator jolted, but she didn't react. When the doors opened on the top floor, she turned around, paused for a second, and then stepped out. Her face was completely devoid of expression as she stared blankly ahead.

The footage showed her walking up one more flight of stairs to the rooftop. She appeared calm and normal as she walked. She pushed open the door to the roof and stepped out without a hint of hesitation.

The security footage ended there, as there were no cameras on the rooftop. Everyone knew what happened next. A resident in the opposite building had filmed Damaris pouring liquid on herself, setting herself on fire, and jumping. The video was still circulating online.

"Now watch the video of her pouring the liquid on herself again," Kenneth said, pointing at the phone.

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