They waited almost an hour for the elevator doors to open from the outside. A team of firefighters had arrived to help, and a crowd had gathered outside the elevator. The sight was something Hannah hadn't expected; so many people had worked hard to get her and Ashton out of there.

Ashton helped Hannah out of the elevator, and applause erupted as the firefighters' efforts were acknowledged.

Hannah's face flushed, caught between embarrassment and relief. It had been a terrifying experience, but being inside with Ashton had made everything feel normal and oddly okay.

"Is anyone hurt? Short of breath?" one of the paramedics asked.

Ashton shook his head. "We're...