Author's note: written for the Prompt Table activity on the Paint It Red Forum - prompt: "Heartbeat"
Heartbeat
All of a sudden he wraps his arms around you and hugs you tightly.
That's the last thing you expect here and now.
Affection is so obvious in his grip that you overcome your slight awkwardness and hug him back.
When he finally pulls away he stares at you for a moment – his eyes wild with fear and something else you can't quite grasp.
"Good luck, Teresa. Love you."
Time stands still for the space of a heartbeat – right before he wields his gun and pretends to shoot you.
Did he really say those words? What's that supposed to mean?
There's no time to work it out right now. You'll save the question for later on – admitted there will be a later on.
You just hope you're all going to come out of this alive.