Chapter 19

However, the momentum was too strong. Megan's nails screeched against the railing, leaving a sharp, piercing sound. Then, she tumbled down the stairs. All she could do was wrap her arms around her stomach to shield it. It all happened in an instant. After Alyssa's head collided with Selena's, both of them fell to the floor beside the stairwell. Howard only felt himself shove something in the chaos. The next moment, Megan was rolling down the steps. He reached out, trying to catch her, but his hands closed on nothing but air. The stairwell was dim. The automatic lights had gone out when no movement was detected, leaving only the green glow of the emergency exit sign casting eerie shadows. At the bottom of the stairs, Megan forced herself upright. When she looked up, she saw Howard's hands stretched toward her. "Meg!" Selena's trembling voice cut through the silence. The lights flickered on with her shout. Pushing Alyssa aside, Selena rushed down the steps. "Meg, are you okay?"