Answer:
In this excerpt, the protagonist finds herself in a tense and dangerous situation. The stakes are high as her life is at risk. We know this because the text mentions that "her heart pounded" and "her breath came in short gasps." These physical reactions suggest fear and stress, indicating that the protagonist is in a perilous situation. Furthermore, the text states that "she could hear footsteps getting closer" and "the sound of heavy breathing filled the air." These details suggest that someone or something is pursuing the protagonist, increasing the sense of danger and urgency. Overall, the protagonist's physical and emotional reactions, along with the presence of an approaching threat, indicate that she is in a high-stakes situation where her safety and well-being are at risk.
Have a great day