The Reluctant Hero

Found - Chapter 2

     When I open my eyes, it's always like waking from a long dream. I blink for a long time not only to clear my eyes but to try and clear my fuzzy brain. I look around and try to take in my surroundings. The familiar beeps of medical machines monitoring me fill the room. I've awakened to this scene several times, though I have no idea how many times since they take most of my memories. 

     Suddenly my brain registers what woke me. Beyond the sounds of the machines, I can hear other noises. The "tat tat tat" of automatic gunfire for example. Sounds of explosions and distant screams put me on alert. Moments like this are the only time I don't despise being trained to handle most things.

     Within seconds I've ripped out my IVs and pulled off the monitors and that's when I feel the pain I hadn't noticed. I can't remember how I received these injuries, but the sounds getting louder remind me I don't have time to wonder about it. Pain in the ribs and tightness when breathing plus a cast would slow me down, but it was manageable. 

     I look around the room for a weapon but oddly there is nothing in the room beyond the machines and bed. I look through the drawers and cabinets but there really isn't anything. There isn't a window for escape and the door has a card reader lock so getting out will be tricky. I make a note to wonder about the room later. The sounds are so loud they have to be near me now so plan B. Standing against the wall behind where the door will open is all I've got since it will at least give me the element of surprise. 

     I feel the vibrations of an explosion just outside of my room and tense. The door handle rattles. Silence for a moment and then the locking mechanism is blown and the door opens. I take those precious seconds and grab the hands holding a gun and twist and pull hard. The woman reacts just as quickly and all I manage to do is pull her through the door and cause her to drop the weapon. Our eyes lock. I wonder if I can get to the gun before her and I guess she understood what I was thinking because she put both hands up in front of her and says, "I'm not here to hurt you."

     I ignore the red-haired woman and take a step closer to the door. 

     "Please, let me help you," she tries again. 

     I glance at the gun and so does she. She then lifts her wrist to her mouth and speaks. "I've found her."

     Those words spur me forward as fast as I can out the door, holding my injured arm close to my chest. Escape is a must now. Others would be coming. The hallway debris and bodies nearly make me stumble as I try to assess my options in the hallway picking a direction and running. I don't see an exit sign but am grateful when I see a door leading to stairs. I run through the door and take a quick look up and down trying to determine which way is best when the red-haired woman catches up to me. Just as she reaches for me, I jump over the railing, injuries be damned. I land two floors down but don't stick the landing with my injuries impeding me. The pain in my chest and arm make me cry out. 

     The woman jumps down behind me and lands effortlessly. I try to kick her away but she blocks the blow and quickly jabs something into my neck. I feel the effects immediately. As my eyelids grow heavy, the last thing I hear is her say, "Sorry."