Jake, his fingers trembling, tried to unlock his mother's safe by entering the four-digit code. After two failed attempts, the third try finally worked, and the safe clicked open, allowing him to retrieve the loaded 9mm pistol from inside. As Marcus entered the room, Jake, in a state of panic, fired two shots that missed their mark, hitting the wall beside the startled intruder. Wide-eyed, Marcus quickly took cover behind the doorway, ready to return fire if needed.
"Come on, kid, you don't want to do this. Trust me, I'm a much better shot than you," Marcus called out from his hiding spot.
"Let's find out, shall we?" Jake challenged. "Come out, and I'll see how skilled I am with this!"
"You've got spirit, kid. I admire that," Marcus acknowledged, a hint of pride fleetingly crossing his
