I stumbled backwards as Izzy dragged Marguerite out the door. “What is going on?” I hollered after them while trying to catch myself on whatever object I could grasp.

“Izzy, please! What has gotten into you?” Marguerite demanded. Already their voices were fading down the hall.

I had no clue what to do. I contemplated staying in my flat and waiting for their return but for once logical judgment escaped me. Instead I tried to quickly follow after them.

As I shuffled down the hallway, I made out the faint sound of their voices. Before I knew it my foot hit the abrupt edge of a step. The voices ascended up. Clutching the cool wall, I took each step slowly.

Right when I was sure the landing had to be just another step away, I heard the piercing scream of a woman.

Panic swept over me, as I lunged forward. Tracing my hand along the wall as I ran towards the commotion. Nothing stopped me until I ran straight into a hard surface that toppled over upon my impact.

“Pierre!” John’s voice gasped in shock.