Chapter 56

• Ava's heart, like a panicked bird, fluttered wildly within her chest as she pivoted to confront the unexpected presence of the security guard, his query suspended in the air like a blade poised to strike. The abrupt interruption sent a jolt of adrenaline surging through her veins, and her agile mind raced to weave together a plausible explanation, her pulse quickening in time with the frantic rhythm of her thoughts. Each second that passed felt like an eternity, the weight of the guard's unspoken accusation bearing down upon her.
• "I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice tinged with embarrassment, as she sought to steady herself and compose an answer that would navigate the treacherous waters of suspicion. The words trembled on her lips as she formed her response, "I got a bit turned around while looking for the washroom." It was a feeble excuse, a hastily crafted alibi that she hoped would pass muster, her cheeks flushed with a blush that betrayed her unease.
• The security guard, his gaze unwavering, regarded her with a calm and measured demeanor, his initial surprise yielding to a more empathetic understanding. His response, delivered in a reassuring tone, carried with it a sense of compassion that seemed to allay her anxieties. "No worries," he offered, a lifeline extended to her in this fraught moment, "I can show you the way if you'd like." It was an act of kindness, a gesture that acknowledged the vulnerability of her situation, and Ava was momentarily touched by the guard's humanity.