Well, you tried, Annie, the teen thought she could hear Mister Ellis say. His voice was bright and filled with pride for her. I’d be proud to have you kicking down doors with me anytime, he continued. You’re a real hero in my eyes!
She saw her friend snap off a crisp salute and stand motionlessly, waiting for the final act to play itself out. Despite the chaos erupting all around her, Annie felt a sense of peace and calm settle over her as Mister Ellis hovered there, willing her to remain stoic in the face of what was to come.
Keep firing while you’re waiting, Annie, he gently reminded her. No sense going down with rounds still in your magazine, right? Besides, you never know what could happen!
The big, always friendly, man – her friend even unto death – winked at her and smiled, as if
