But even as that mad thought was racing through my mind, my nose informed me of the true identity of the unseen mess beneath me and I discovered that I had been struggling helplessly amid a pile of slightly wilted and now severely crushed flowers. Forcing down a feeling of laughter welling up inside of me at the spectacle I must have presented (if there had been anyone to witness it), I realized I had merely come across the flowers left by myself and the other mourners at my own grandmother's entombment earlier in the day.

Leaning back against the wall, I tried to catch my breath and collect my thoughts. Knowing for the moment, at least, that I was safe, I hoped that the terrible racket I had made as I fell would perhaps draw the attention of a custodian to my presence. But, strain as I might, I could discern no sound other than my own somewhat labored breathing.

Feeling a bit forlorn at my not be rescued, I was also saddened by the knowledge that just a few feet above my head, my dear one was now locked away, to spend eternity in a narrow stone box. And yet, even in death, she had managed to help me in my time of need, for I now had some idea as to my location and knew that if I continued moving along this corridor, I should soon arrive at the central hall. From that point, I could take the stairs down to the main floor and hence, to an exit.

As I thought of that sweet, gentle soul once again coming to my aid, tears began to well up in my eyes and as I tried to wipe them away, I found I was still holding a small bunch of crushed flowers clutched tightly in my hand. I set the flowers down as gently as possible amid the unseen wreckage I had caused, then wiped my face and slowly regained my feet. Looking up into the darkness above me, I silently thanked my grandmother for her help and then prayed for added strength to see me safely through this ordeal.

Somewhat sobered by the thought that she was still somehow watching over me, I continued my journey down the corridor, the wall just brushing my left shoulder as I walked. Shortly, I was able to discern a feeble glow of light some distance ahead of me and I had to restrain myself from rushing headlong toward that meager spot of brightness. Maintaining my slow advance, I came to a point where the wall could no longer be felt against my shoulder. I put my hand out to the side and felt no obstacle, then reached back to find a corner of the marble wall. I assumed that I had now reached the junction where the three upstairs corridors joined together near the front of the building.