This End Now
Ellen's heart thundered in her chest as she pressed herself tighter against the wall, her hand shaking as covered her mouth to muffle her shallow breaths. Her heart was racing in her ears, counting down to the moment she feared most. She could hear Hans's heavy footsteps outside, the click of the doorknob as he tried to turn it. The lock didn't budge, but he didn't seem surprised.
"Oh, so you're here, Ellen," he called out. A loud bang from a gunshot rang out, and Ellen flinched violently as the doorknob shattered. She bit down on her lip, trying not to let a single sound escape her. She watched, frozen, as Hans's foot slammed against the door. The door pushed open, and the couch Ellen had jammed against it moved across the floor as he forced his way in. He stepped in with the ease of someone who had all the time in the world.