The Aftermath

Shayla

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Terrance began to turn towards me, his gun held high, his face twisted with rage and despair. My heart pounded in my chest, the adrenaline surging through me, giving me a clarity I hadn't felt before. In that same moment, I saw the trucker at the edge of the stairs, his eyes wide with realization.

I didn't think; I just acted. I dove down the plane stairs, where Big Red was waiting. He caught me immediately, his massive frame twisting to shield me as we tumbled down the steps together. The deafening sound of a gunshot echoed in my ears, and I felt Big Red's body jerk as he took the bullet meant for me.

"No!" I screamed, my voice raw with panic and fear.