I searched frantically for the secretary, my eyes scanning the chaotic space. Amid the overturned furniture, I finally spotted her lying motionless on the floor. Blood pooled around her, and it was clear she was unconscious, if not worse.
My heart raced, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. I tried to steady myself, but my legs buckled under the weight of shock and exhaustion. Just as I felt myself collapsing, a pair of strong arms caught me.
"Why?" I asked.
"What? What why? I'm mean, but I have feelings too. Wait, why is it so sticky?" She looked at the hand holding my arm and her eyes widened. "Oh my God! Blood!"
With a deep breath, I managed to stand up, despite the overwhelming pain and exhaustion. My legs trembled, but I forced myself to stay upright. The gown I was wearing was long and flowing, now stained and tattered from the chaos.