A loud crash resounded in the crowded and bustling market, cutting through the chatter of people.
"Sorry! Excuse me!" A nimble figure darted in between people, weaving through the numerous bodies with surprising agility.
She was headed to the security office just across the street, no doubt to report the incident that occurred in the mist of people.
-
'Bang!'
The doors to the security office flew open, revealing a petite girl right at the entrance, with arms stretched wide.
She was panting lightly, seemingly having rushed there for an urgent matter.
"Clark! Call Clark!" She shouted at the top of her lungs. "We need him now!"
Her eyes were as wide as saucers, revealing her worry. Her breath came in ragged breaths as her pupils contracted in fear.
"Captain!" Someone could be heard shouting from inside the office.
In just a moment, a man dashed out to meet the girl.
"What is it this time?" He frantically asked while gesturing for the girl to lead him to the accident.
"Wendy... sh...she..." The girl's voice shook as she tried to recall the scene.
The duo ran as fast as their legs could carry them, to the once bustling street which was now deserted, with tents crushed or ruined haphazardly everywhere.
Some people could be seen, though they were not as relaxed as before. They ran in random directions, their facial expressions of pure terror.
"Save me! Please!"
"Don't... AHHH!"
Screams rang from everywhere.
Clark, the man who had to take in the mess in front of his eyes, facepalmed with a bitter chuckle.
"Wendy..." He shook his head with resignation. "What did you do this time..."
With a swift motion, he pulled out a plain-looking knife and immediately ran into the chaos.
-
"Please... Clark? Anyone..." A soft voice sounded muffled in the dark.
The air felt stifling and hot, in an enclosed space with almost no light present.
The smell of flesh, blood and body odour combined made breathing incredibly difficult.
The voice sounded female, weak and fading as she struggled weakly in a unsuccessful attempt to loosen the rope binding her body.
-
The girl watched Clark run into the throng of people, losing sight of him immediately.
She stood frozen for a few seconds more, seemingly unable to comprehend her situation.
"Wendy... no... Wendy..." She broke into uncontrollable sobs as her legs gave way.
'Thud!' Her knees fell to the ground, a sorrowful realisation she faced.
She curled up into herself, mentally shielding her mind from the chaos outside.
She was safe.
No one could hurt her.
Wendy wasn't... no. She wasn't dead. She couldn't believe Wendy would leave her alone like this.
Wendy should have survived somehow. She was sure of it.