I CAN’T BREATHE

Silence.

The only sound was the heavy panting that filled the store. Luciano's chest rose and fell in sync with his laboured breathing. His knuckles were white against his already pale skin as he gripped the warm metal of the gun. A plume of smoke curled lazily from the barrel, the acrid scent stinging his nostrils.

He stared down at the motionless form sprawled at his feet, heart racing in the cavern of his ribs. Blood pooled around the lifeless body of the man who was holding him hostage a few moments ago, crimson against the pale hardwood floor. 

Behind him, a horrified scream pierced through the silence.

"Shut the fuck up," he heard the mortal yelling although his voice was oddly muted.