Outside, an unexpected noise caught the attention of a passing employee, a young kitchen hand who had stayed late to finish his tasks. He moved closer, suspicion etching his features as he heard the persistent, metallic rhythm.

Inside, Emily’s strength was waning, but she refused to give up. With one final, desperate push, the door gave way, swinging open to reveal the startled face of the kitchen hand. The blast of warm air hit her like an embrace, and she stumbled forward, collapsing into the young man’s arms.