"RUN!"
The word echoed through my head as I opened my eyes.
I looked at my bleeding arm, then at the horrifying scene in front of me.
Mr. Cross's men were struggling to hold back the attackers. Dead bodies littered the ground.
All for me.
My heart tightened as I looked at them.
I can't die here. I can't let their sacrifices be in vain.
I kept repeating the words to myself as I forced my body upright, screaming in agony.
The pain was excruciating.
I ran into the mall, grabbing the nearest piece of clothing and wrapping it tightly around my bleeding arm.
I cried out as I tightened the knot.
But I couldn't just stay here and wait for them to find me.
I ran deeper into the building.
Then I climbed onto the highest display shelf at the very back of the store. It wasn't easy, but I didn't have much of a choice.
I squeezed myself behind the hanging clothes, hiding within the cramped space.
