Violetta's breaths were heavy and ragged as she looked at James, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. She slowly released her grip on him, her hands trembling. The rage that had consumed her moments ago now subsided, leaving behind a wave of guilt and confusion.
"I... I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know what came over me."
James took a step back, his expression a mix of pain and confusion. He reached out a hand to steady himself against a nearby lamppost, his face pale and sweaty. "I... I understand," he managed to say, his voice strained. "You've been through so much."
The young woman who had been kneeling beside the injured man stared at Violetta in shock, her eyes filled with tears. "What... What's happening?" she asked, her voice quivering.
Viole
