I gasped and struggled from the ropes binding me. I screamed until he turned around to face me.

He rolled down the safety lever and it complied obediently with a click. The sound was terrifying. He watched the tears filling my eyes with sorrow.

He pressed it against his temple, and suddenly my cries fell silent. No more words would escape my swollen lips, but I bowed my head and sobbed into my stray hair.

I waited for the blow. My hands were sweating and my forehead felt wet. It felt hotter, thicker than sweat. Whatever it was, it leaked down the side of my face. I looked up into his aged face, and then watched his hand shake. I continued to sob, I didn’t know how much more waiting I could take.