Then finally nods and moves, pulling the children and mothers back into the corridor.
I wait until they disappear around the corner.
Then I look down at Hannah and Stephen.
Both exhausted.
Barely standing.
Still trying.
“Alright,” I mutter, tightening my grip on them both. “Let’s get you out of here before this whole damn place comes down.”
34
Russ
The clock on the wall hasn’t moved.
I swear it hasn’t.
Every time I look up, the same minute is staring back at me like time itself got stuck outside those surgical doors.
The red light above them still burns.
Still closed.
Still keeping her away from me.
I stay exactly where I am.
Miles sits a few chairs down, pretending to give me space while keeping one eye on me anyway.
Smart.
Because I’m hanging on by threads right now.
Footsteps pound suddenly down the hallway.
I turn instantly.
Lucas rounds the corner with two kids beside him.
Alive.
Dirty.
Terrified.
Relief hits hard enough my knees almost unlock.
Lucas crouches in front of them immediately, voice low and steady.
“You’re safe here, okay? Stay with him.”
He gestures toward another operator nearby.
The little girl nods slowly.
