I’m momentarily blinded, and my ears are ringing while I’m frozen to the ground. A scorching gust of wind, filled with dust and debris, strikes my face, causing me to choke. I’m gasping for air, trying to focus my watering eyes. As if I’m waking from a nightmare, the wailing of those around me slowly comes into existence, growing louder with each passing second. Their blood-curdling cries bring me back from the shock and root me in the moment. I have no pain, there are no screams coming from my mouth—I’m unharmed. The adrenaline in my system has my senses on hyperdrive, and the rapid pace of my heartbeat works it through my system in the blink of an eye. It’s my duty to save my brothers. I’m the only one still standing that I can see through the haze of smoke and dirt floating through the air. Stepping over their bodies as they grab on to my legs and beg for my help, I head straight for the only window in the room.
