FIFTEEN

NORA

I knew I had to get out of there. I had to get away from this scene, from this place. I tried to move, but my feet felt like they were stuck to the floor. Finally, with a massive effort, I managed to take a step back.

Then another. I slowly backed out of the closet, my eyes still fixed on the door across from me. When I reached the hallway, I turned and ran. I didn't know where I was going, I just knew I had to get away.

I turned a corner and found myself in an empty classroom. I sank down onto the floor, my legs having lost balance.

My heart was beating so fast, I thought it might burst out of my chest. My head was pounding, a pressure building behind my eyes. I felt dizzy, as if I might faint. I tried to calm myself down, to take deep breaths. But it was no use. I was trapped in a spiral of fear and confusion. I didn't know what to do.

Suddenly, I heard a voice. It was calm and steady, cutting through the chaos in my mind.

"Focus on the present," it said. "Breathe in, breath