The Great Ethan Lee

Chapter 76

When Ethan arrived at the mall, he was met with the sounds of screams and cries all around him. Customers were trying to escape desperately, with many falling in the chaos.

On the fourth floor, all the glass had shattered, and thick black smoke was billowing out, with continuous explosions ringing out. The air was filled with choking smoke and the strong smell of gas!

Ethan was extremely anxious. With July still in his arms, he couldn't just leave her in such a chaotic place.

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, "There's been an explosion at the Prosperity Mall on Queen Street. Dispatch nearby fire brigades and medical teams immediately! Hurry up!"

The commands sent the highest priority alert to all nearby fire departments. Fire trucks were mobilized and soon arrived at the scene.

Within just four minutes, ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars surrounded the mall.

Seeing the firefighters in their uniforms, Ethan handed July to one of them.

"Please take care of my daughter. This is my phone number," Ethan said urgently.

Before the firefighter could respond, Ethan tore off his protective mask and rushed into the mall!

The firefighter shouted anxiously, "Sir! Sir, you can't go in there! It's too dangerous!" But no matter how much he shouted, Ethan didn't stop.

Ethan ran into the first floor of the mall. Although there were no flames, the thick smoke made it impossible to see anything. Ethan put on the gas mask and forced himself to stay calm as he ran.

From his observations, the explosion occurred on the fourth floor. The strong smell of gas suggested a gas explosion. The fourth-floor housed clothing stores with a few restaurants in between, which caused the fire to spread quickly.

Sophia had been on the third floor earlier. If she hadn't moved, she would still be safe!

With this thought, Ethan headed straight for the third floor without hesitation.

***

At the moment of the explosion, Sophia was resting on the third floor. The sudden blast startled her awake.

Panic erupted around her, and she was terrified, joining the crowd in rushing downstairs. In chaos, someone pushed her, causing her to fall. She twisted her ankle, the sharp pain making it hard to stand.

But the increasingly thick smoke made it impossible for her to stay in the same spot. She had to lean against the wall, moving slowly towards the exit.

Just as Sophia was about to reach the stairs, another loud explosion went off.

Sophia was leaning against the partition between the stores, and under the force of the explosion, the partition collapsed, trapping her underneath! Although it wasn't a concrete wall, it weighed over 100 pounds, far too heavy for a lean woman like Sophia to move.

Feeling the rising temperature and seeing the spreading flames, her eyes filled with despair.

The thick smoke enveloped her, causing Sophia to cough violently and making it hard to breathe. The dense smoke clouded her mind, making her feel dizzy!

Thinking of her daughter and Ethan, a bitter smile of despair appeared on Sophia's lips.

'July, I'm sorry, Mommy can't be with you anymore!'

'Ethan, take good care of our daughter!'

'There's something I've never told you. When you came back for me, I had forgiven you.'

'I don't regret that night five years ago. Not a bit!'

'Thank you for being in my life. I hope we can meet again in the next one!'

Just as Sophia was about to close her eyes, the weight pressing on her lightened suddenly.

She looked up to see Ethan, covered in soot, lifting the heavy partition like a brave warrior standing before her!

Sophia murmured, "Ethan... Is it you? It's so nice to see you again before I die..."

"No!" Ethan roared, his arms flexing as he threw the partition aside.

He scooped Sophia up and shouted anxiously, "Sophia! It's me!"

Seeing Sophia alive, Ethan felt a wave of relief wash over him. 'She's okay! Thank God!'

Ethan realized that Sophia had already deeply rooted herself in his heart!

Sophia, in disbelief, asked, "Ethan, am I dreaming?"

As Sophia regained her senses, tears flowed from her eyes. Ethan had come for her! 'My superhero always comes to my rescue in my darkest hours, saving me from hell!'

Ethan removed his gas mask quickly and placed it on Sophia's face.

The thick smoke made it hard to breathe. Gritting his teeth, Ethan held Sophia tightly and rushed towards the exit!

Just as Ethan was about to reach the stairs, another explosion went off nearby. Ethan's eyes widened, and he dodged to the side.

Amid the deafening explosion, the ceiling collapsed heavily onto the ground, blocking the only way down!

Ethan looked around. The fire was spreading quickly. If they stayed any longer, they'd either burn to death or be suffocated by smoke. He noticed a floor-to-ceiling window nearby.

Ethan held Sophia tightly and smiled gently. "Sophia, close your eyes and hold on to me!"

With that, Ethan ran forward and crashed his entire body into the window.