[ WP ] Secure your own mask first before helping others .

The first moment was a blur. I did n't understand what was happening; for one second, I was with Annie, walking back from the toilet on the plane - she was n't comfortable without someone coming with her - and a second later I heard a shriek. 
 
 Things did n't turn into slow motion, or everything suddenly became sharp like they tell you in the movies. We were all on our flight to London, and nothing changed - except that now a chair sized hole was gaping from the far side of the plane. 
 
 The problem with people is that they react slow. Some were removing their headphones and starting to turn. Their standing counterparts, who were n't so lucky, fell down in utter surprise from the sudden blow. some kid was still fighting with his mommy about his birthday present. Everyone was calm; just slightly stunned. 
 
 And then the plane *groaned*. 
 
 I grabbed Annie and ran for our seats. they we're midway between the hole and the toilet; I did n't know at the time if that's the right decision or not. All I knew is that I needed a seatbelt to hold us tight, and that all the seats up to ours were taken. 
 
 This was a easy, in theory. The thing is, when people start screaming and flailing around, plans tend to crumble to dust. A dish struck me hard in the shoulder; I almost let go of Annie, but got a hold of her hand, just in time to raise my head and see the plate flying through the hole outside. 
 
 `` Daddy, I'm scared!'' she cried, while I dragged her along with me. She was running, but her tiny legs were n't meant for this speed yet. 
 `` hold on sweety, we're almost there!'' I screamed at the top of my lungs. The wind suddenly became more violent; It hit my ears like a thunderbolt. 
 
 `` ALL PASSENGERS REMAIN SEATED, WE ARE ATTEMPTING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. ONE MINUTE TO TOUCHDOWN'' the pilot said over the speakers, at full volume. His voice was calm; this frightened me even more. He sounded like a man who has accepted his own death. 
 
 That one minute of my life was probably the most lively of them all. It is amazing what adrenaline can do to your body - I jumped on people, pushed away the drinks cart and hauled a screaming woman out of my way. All to get Annie to her seat. 
 
 We were almost there... just one more inch. 
 
 `` PLEASE REMAIN CALM! ALL PARENTS, SECURE YOUR MASK FIRST BEFORE HELPING OTHERS'' the pilot beckoned. 
 Another blur, and we were there. I snapped the belt on annie so fast I cut my fingers. I put on my mask with my trembling fingers - be it fear or adrenaline causing it. At last, I put the mask on her face, closed my seatbelt and hugged her hard. 
 `` We'll be fine'' I whispered to her. She stopped shaking for a bit, and smiled to me. I smiled back. 
 
 They never found our remains.
