The gunshot's echo reverberated through the narrow corridor, followed by an eerie silence. Emma's ears rang as she struggled to make sense of what had just happened. She was on the ground, a sharp pain radiating from her left side. The cold concrete pressed against her cheek as she fought to stay conscious.
As the smoke cleared and her vision slowly came into focus, Emma saw her father sprawled on the floor beside her. He was clutching his chest, his face a mask of pain and shock. Blood seeped between his fingers, staining his once-pristine shirt a dark crimson.
Her mother stood frozen a few feet away, the gun still raised, her hands trembling visibly. The strong, determined woman from moments ago had vanished, replaced by someone who looked lost and terrified.
"Mom?" Emma's voice crack
