Thank You

They had been walking for mere minutes when it happened. A sound from nowhere, ominous and foreboding, but so quiet and far away. Not damaging…yet.

Others tore through the air seconds later. These echoed louder now, closer…again they became subdued and harmless. The peaceful silence returned once more, relief to ears numbed by thunderous screams.

It happened suddenly.

A burst of repetitive sounds, short and staccato, louder than screams, a flash of cold fear, a glint of scarlet-

He never turned before it struck him.

Arms encircled his waist. He grew frantic, unable to discern the reason.

“Thank you,” whispered a tiny voice. He glanced over his shoulder, craning his sore neck too far.

She released her hero all too soon, a flicker of a smile on her face as she turned to run, footsteps mimicking gunshots, untied shoelaces slapping the pavement like bullets.

Bullets he’d fired so long ago.

Bullets that saved her life.