And A Shot Rings Out

Her smile shifts to a frown as she whispers, "Why did you let me die?" Despite the length separating us, her heartbreaking words pound at my eardrums. My hands frantically cover my ears as I attempt to block out the tormenting echoes of her voice. With blurry vision, I watch as the shadows and branches finally consume her body. My voice finally summons enough persuasion to scream her name, "Valerie!" But it's too late. Her body has drained of color.