94.Shot in the dark

POV Andrew

In that tense moment, my thoughts turned to Emma and a simpler time. It was as if I could feel the warm sunshine of our childhood, my mother's laughter echoing in the distance, and my father watching from the edge of the pool with his trusty cigar in hand. We had so many dreams back then, and she was always my pillar, my strength.

I remember the days at the beach, her building sandcastles while I tried to be the fearless knight she admired. My mother always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.

Everything was simpler back then. And now I was.

Also, the image of Emma smiling gave me strength, that sweet, comforting smile that lit up any darkness. It was for her that I was there, fighting, even in the face of my uncle, an enemy who knew my every weakness.

The past now blended with the present, each memory pushing me to resist his provocation, to remain calm in the face of his acidic words.

Emma was there, trapped by his insanity. I couldn't fail, I cou