dropping him to the ground , i flashed over to the dying woman . he stopped at the end of the blue mat . he smiled proudly , nodded , and moved on . i turned back to my empty room and stared up at the plaster ceiling . `` it was in my keeping of that promise that i was forced to leave . '' there was no way to stand up ; all strength had drained from her legs . mary now turned to the others who were all frightened and confused . 