(Matthew's Point of View.)
Even though the sound of the shot is fading in my head, the smell of gunpowder is still in the air. Not just noise, but fear makes my ears ring. Fear that is real. The kind that won't let go of your memory. I stand still for half a second too long, looking at the spot where the bullet hit the wall. Just a few inches away from Esther.
"Matthew."
Her voice brought me back and I turned quickly. Esther is standing there, breathing hard, and her eyes are wide open but steady. She isn't crying. That scares me more than crying would have.
"Are you hurt?" I asked as I move closer to her.
She shakes her gently. "I'm okay."
I touched her arms, shoulders, and face to check anyway. I shook my hands as I did it. I pulled her close to me without thinking when I'm sure sh
