The Act of Killing

While Hanne was catching her breath, Yohana released her curled-up position and looked the maid in the eye. 

She was deadly serious as she asked, "Do you know what people see when they die at your hands? It's you. They look at you as they lose their lives because of you."

Yohana sat up straight and continued, her voice unrelenting, "After they die, people turn pale, ashen. Their lips become dry and hard. When your target dies with their eyes open, you'll see dust gather around the exposed parts."

Hanne gulped audibly, taking a step back as she started to fear Yohana with her relentless chatter about death.

But Yohana wouldn't stop. "Their bodies grow cold and stiff."

"Have you ever had someone die in your arms? Have you ever seen someone you loved die right in front of you? If you haven't, you have no right to talk about killing other people. You just can't."