In the Stairwell

"Hello, is anyone there?" Gingerly walking through black smoke, dust, and debris I am rendered almost

blind. Wailing, moaning, jumbled voices are calling out from a distance.

Stepping over something soft, but solid, feels like, yes it is, a body; I anxiously step over and continue searching for an exit. Outside, sirens blaring, chaos, movement, as I begin walking in a parade of powdered faces, mirroring my shock and disbelief. Whispering thanks to the one above, as I, as we, walk towards our common goal; to find safety, to find loved ones, to get home.