{HERMIONE}
The sound of the gunshot is too loud; it feels like it’s happening inside my own head.
My ears are ringing and I can’t hear anything else.
My heart is trying to punch its way out of my ribs, and my stomach churns so violently I feel nauseous.
He shot her. He actually shot Kareen. My sister is dead.
A hot tear spills over and drips onto my hands. I’ve been holding them up like a useless shield against the bullets I was sure would come for me next.
My whole body is shaking very hard, my teeth are chattering.
I see flashes of me and Kareen as kids. I see her rolling her eyes at me across the dinner table and I'm trying to make her smile, even when she doesn't smile at me.
“No!” My voice breaks into a desperate cry.
“This can’t be real! He didn’t just shoot my sister!”
M
