Laura
Standing there with the knife clutched tightly in my hand, I felt my whole body tremble. The fear was so raw it blurred everything. I flung open the door, bracing myself for the worst, and almost stabbed him.
"Whoa!" Jake shouted, jerking backward, narrowly avoiding the blade as I nearly toppled over.
"Jake!" The shock nearly left me paralyzed. My hands shook, the knife slipping from my grip and clattering to the floor as I stumbled. I felt his arms reach out, steadying me as I tried to catch my breath.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice softer now, a blend of surprise and concern. "Laura, are you okay?"
The absurdity of his question hit me, and I let out a strangled laugh that quickly dissolved into a sob. I didn't even have the strength to answer him; I could only clutch at his arm, the tears beginning to blur my vision. He didn't say anything more, he just helped me back inside, one hand on my shoulder, the other guiding me gently.