I pursed my lips, not moving from my spot as I listened to the advancing thunks. She had uttered my name as well, assured me it was her, did that throw more evidence into the fact that she was truly who she said she was? It should. But I found my limbs stuck, unable to move as I struggled to process the fact that someone else was alive. Alive, not one of those things. 

"I sure hope so." I said with a weak laugh, joy overriding my caution. Even if it wasn't her, it would just mean no one was there. I had no one to be embarrassed of if they witnessed myself crawling to an empty space. So I eventually began to move, approaching the approaching noises and trying not to rush. I let my the hand holding the hammer assist me, no longer concerned about making too much noise. Why should I, when it was possible my friend was alive? 

When I grew close enough to see her I paused, squinting in the dim lighting and taking in the sight of her. Yes, she was most certainly alive and not my imagination. There actually existed another person here.