44 My entire body tensed as I waited for the flick of Raphael’s finger that would obliterate me. I would have thought that my life would flash before my eyes like a fast-playing movie. Instead, my mind was consumed by thoughts of Daniel and the hope that this wouldn’t devastate him. Peeking one eye open, I saw Raphael raise his hand in preparation to destroy me. My only concern was for Daniel. I whispered near his ear, “You must find a way to go on. I can’t stand the thought of a world where you don’t exist.” “No,” he croaked out the word, clutching me behind him, trying valiantly to shield me, even though we both knew it was of no use. Raphael’s hand froze in its downward motion when the two voices––a male and a female––rang out from behind him. “Stop!” They shouted in unison. I sagg

