Refuge After the Collapse: Two of the Pulse Survivors Find Strength in Each Other

On the night of June 12, 2016, Stanley Almodovar III and Luis Vielma were among the hundreds of people dancing at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. When the gunman opened fire, they both ran for their lives.

Stanley was shot in the leg and fell to the ground. Luis, who was ahead of him, heard the gunshots and turned around to see his friend lying on the floor. He rushed back to Stanley's side and helped him up.

Together, they ran out of the club and into the night. They didn't know where they were going, but they knew they had to get away from the danger.

They ran for what felt like forever, until they finally came to a house. They knocked on the door and a woman answered. They told her what had happened and she let them in.

Stanley and Luis spent the rest of the night at the woman's house. They talked about what had happened and comforted each other.

The next day, they went to the hospital to get Stanley's leg checked out. They were both physically and emotionally exhausted, but they were also grateful to be alive.

In the days and weeks that followed, Stanley and Luis leaned on each other for support. They attended therapy together and talked about their experiences.

They also found solace in each other's company. They spent time together talking, laughing, and just being there for each other.

Stanley and Luis's story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. In the aftermath of a tragedy, they found strength in each other and helped each other to heal.

They are both survivors, and they are both proof that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.