In front of an emergency exit on the west side of the museum, Duncan led Nina and Sherry as they ran out into the fresh air and bright sky light. Sherry was the first to cheer uncontrollably, "Awesome! We made it out!"
Duncan glanced at the girl, but before he could say anything, he suddenly felt the young woman on his back stir—finally waking up from the fresh air and all the jostling.
Duncan quickly found a spot nearby and put her down from his back.
Heidi gradually came to her senses.
Pain, as if her forehead had been smacked with a brick, throbbed fiercely, followed by a sensation of lung discomfort from inhaling a bit of smoke. These were Heidi's first feelings as she regained consciousness. Then she abruptly opened her eyes and immediately began coughing violently.