Home Invasion

"Both."

A silence you could slice through hung between them.

"Get some sleep."

Gus turned to go. His name was out of her mouth before she could think. He looked back over his shoulder, but she knew he couldn't see her. She didn't know what compelled her to keep him with her for a moment longer, but she was glad she did when she heard the first gunshots.

"Get down, Mim," he ordered and he unholstered his gun.

She heard shouting outside and people running. Gus disappeared. She stayed crouched with the bed between her and the hallway. What seemed like an hour later, Gus appeared in the doorway.

"Are you dressed?"

"Sweats, but decent."

"We have to get out of here. I need you to follow my orders without question."

She nodded, realizing her life might depend on it. Pulling on her sneakers, she grabbed her laptop.

"Miriam?"

"Yes," she answered, realizing he couldn't see her shake her head in the dark. "I'm ready."

He grabbed her free hand and the laptop crashed against the bed.