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Sarah heard footsteps just outside the butchering corner. It could be David and Benjamin, now her enemies, or it could be whoever responded to her pager message. The waiting made her nauseous.

The door swung open and quick footsteps seemed to search frantically around the area. They sounded different than the two who were chasing her, which made her anxious and excited that help was actually near.

The person’s steps were lighter, and as the stranger paced the room, she heard quick breaths and sighs that sounded female. Sarah’s heart raced. Please let this one be nice. She needed someone who wasn’t going to turn on her or make her feel scared. She needed help.

“Sarah,” the gentle female voice whispered. “It’s okay. You can come out. I’m here to get you out of here.”

Even though she sounded friendly, Sarah was apprehensive to leave her hiding spot. After a few deep breaths, Sarah revealed her location to the woman.

She was tall and lean. To Sarah she looked like the pictures of ballerinas that hung in her dance class. She missed going to dance class. She missed her teacher Miss Rebecca, who was so pretty and danced like she was floating on clouds. This new stranger kind of looked like Miss Rebecca, with long brown hair and sweet eyes. Miss Rebecca was a little younger though.

“My name is Marla,” the woman said with a smile. “Come with me. David and Benjamin can’t hurt you anymore. Not while I’m here.”

Sarah walked toward her slowly and asked, “Are you their boss or something?”

Marla giggled and it sounded like the little bells that her mother hung on their Christmas tree.

“Sort of,” she answered. “Let’s say once I’m here, they have no choice but to stop what they are doing.”

Marla held out her hand and Sarah took it. She didn’t feel the fear or apprehension she felt around David and Benjamin. She felt safe.

The pair headed toward the exit of the supermarket. Sarah wouldn’t let go of Marla’s hand, and Marla let her hold it the whole way. They were silent as they passed empty shelves and knocked-over displays. Before Marla pushed open the front door to the store, she turned to Sarah and squeezed her hand a little tighter.

“Listen carefully, Sarah,” Marla began. “David and Benjamin are close. They know I’m here, and they may fight to keep their plans in motion. But they won’t be able to go far. Like I told you, they’ll have no choice but to stop. Don’t be scared.”

Sarah nodded.

“Also, when I do what I need to, it’s going to feel weird, okay?” Marla explained. “You’re going to feel like you’re floating or even flying. And then it will all be over.”

“What do you mean it will be over?” Sarah asked, the fear rising.

Marla smiled, “You’ll see. And only you will see.”

At that moment, David emerged on the left and Benjamin directly ahead of them. The latter tried to smile at Sarah, as if they were still on the same side, before he scared her. David walked quickly toward where she and Marla stood. He didn’t seem afraid of the new stranger’s presence, and Sarah thought for a second that whatever Marla was planning wouldn’t work.

“How did you get here?” David asked Marla. “You shouldn’t be here. This world is below you.”

Marla grinned at him and squeezed Sarah’s hand.

“I was summoned,” she answered, winking at Sarah.

David laughed dramatically, his head tossing back. He pretended to wipe tears from his eyes and then let out a large sigh after he was done. At the same time Benjamin drew closer. He barely acknowledged Marla and fixed his eyes on the little girl.

“Sarah,” Benjamin said. “I’m sorry I scared you earlier. I didn’t mean it. I just wanted to help your world.”

Marla pulled Sarah behind her so the girl was half hidden by her long muscular legs.

“Time to go, guys,” Marla commanded.