"Who is that?" Serena whispered.
The woman slowly raised her head.
Even through the narrow opening, Jude could feel her gaze.
She was looking directly at him.
Then she smiled.
Layla turned towards her.
The woman's lips moved.
No sound came through.
But Layla's expression changed.
The happiness disappeared.
She looked frightened.
"Jude!"
He reached further.
"Take my hand!"
Layla ran towards him.
The opening began to close.
Jude pushed his arm through.
Their fingers touched.
He caught her hand.
For one brief second, he had her.
Serena grabbed Jude around the waist, helping him pull.
Sophie seized Serena.
Scarlet held Sophie.
Together, they pulled.
Layla was almost through.
Then the woman in the pale dress reached out.
She did not grab Layla.
She simply touched the wooden house behind her.
A deep bell rang.
The ground beneath Layla disappeared.
Jude felt her hand slip.
"No!"
He tightened his grip.
Layla looked directly into his eyes.
