escape from death

The stairs give off a loud creek after you put a foot on the first step. You're skeptical, but you begin to climb. You walk cautiously and slowly, when suddenly the step you're on breaks in half. You look down in concern, but then hear similar snapping noises from behind you. Behind you, the stairs have begun to crack. Up a little higher you see a rope in the distance and you also see the stairs continue. You know that you are a slow runner especially up stairs, but also scared of heights and have little upper body strength. The stairs have finally caught up to you and you have to make a decision and a decision fast!