A creak emits from the floorboards as he steps from the window frame. He's tired …but he's close.

She notices nothing, content with her dreams, securely wrapped amidst warm sheets. His footsteps never reach her ears.

Cold metal sits in his hand as a heavy weight, and for a fleeting second, he reconsiders. But no. He will do it. It will be quick.

He raises his arm. The metal jumps back, and a bang echoes throughout the room.

She stays still, save for a trickle of crimson flowing from her temple.

She will never wake.

Yet he feels no satisfaction.