A loud collective scream raced through the air just before the deafening hush when the lights went out. Jerry couldn't even see in front of her face, and her son was missing! She clenched onto her daughter's hand as the panic rose into her lungs! She couldn't move, afraid to move! She listened to so many children crying, screams and shouts mixed with the
dreadful sound of falling objects, and the sound of panic itself. She felt
an asthma attack trying to surface, but "No" she said aloud, "This can't
happen yet"!
Jerry concentrated on her breathing while trying to find somewhere
safe in the dark for her and her daughter. She knew she had to find her
son, but her attempts at screaming his name fell to hoarse whispers in her
tight throat. Her hands out in front of her felt for any obtrusive objects,
her daughter behind her, until she felt something solid. The solid wall she
found felt cool and smooth, and it took her a moment to realize she was at
the entrance to the mall! With one last effort, she turned behind her and
screamed "JOHNNY" reaching over the din with fear!