The rescue

The smoke thickened even more as Dylan continued to move upward. He pressed a handkerchief over his nose and mouth. His every breath burned, and his eyes watered painfully, but he blinked frequently as tried to look around, hoping to see Ava.

There was no trace of her. Could she still be in the restroom?

Dylan rushed to the restroom. "Ava!" he called out, his voice echoing in the empty corridor.

Inside the restroom, Ava's vision was hazy, and her breaths were shallow. She was on the edge of unconsciousness when a faint voice reached her ears. It was distant, muffled, but unmistakable.

She lifted her head slightly. "I'm here…" she tried to call, her voice barely a whisper.