The weight of people pushing past me from both directions induced in me a sense of panic. I could no longer see Mina, and I could no longer hear her either. People were screaming and crying in a mad rush to escape this area.

The soldiers entering the area could not see the zombies beyond the crowd, let alone find space to aim and shoot them. I felt myself be pushed in the maelstrom towards the exit, and finally succumbed to the flow until I exited along with the rest of the frightened people looking for a way out.

Some soldiers had finally broken through the crowds as I could hear shooting within the area commence. I was torn between running away, and returning to look for Mina. I hovered by the entrance watching people fleeing in fear.

The soldiers had formed a line and were laying down a wall of fire that for the moment seemed to be holding the threat at bay. I encroached back into the area, chills running down my spine as the shooting continued unabated while a stream of undead continued to run into this section.

I moved cautiously one eye on the proceedings ahead of me while walking back towards the troops. Several people had been trampled in the mad rush to exit. My heart hammered in my chest and my lips and throat felt dry.

I saw her to the side of the troops. I moved closer and reached for her. Her face was still, and I was not sure whether she still lived. I reached down and felt for her pulse. It was weak, but it still beat.

I reached out with both arms, unhitched her back pack and while the volley of shots repeated loudly behind me, carried her out of the area.