I searched for a safe exit from my memories, only to find Esther frantically blocking the door with random objects and damaging the emergency button with her high heels.
"Esther, what are you doing?" I demanded.
"Lucia, I was so stupid. I forgot to check the safety facilities. Please don't tell anyone. We can claim they were sabotaged," she pleaded.
My anger surged.
No wonder Esther was able to remain unharmed in her previous life.
She intentionally blocked the safe passage and destroyed the emergency buttons to create a false narrative before fleeing alone.
I glanced at my watch. Less than ten minutes were remaining before the building would collapse.
Time was urgent and I didn't have time to argue with Esther. I quickly told everyone to escape.
"Are you trying to get me killed? If anyone finds out, I'll go to jail." Esther protested, still attempting to block the exit.
But my shouts caught the crowd's attention.
She shot me a furious glare and fled.
Standing at the entrance of the safe passage, I urged, "Please don't crowd or block the doorway."
As I watched the exhibition hall empty, I noticed an elderly with gray hair moving against the flow toward the fire.