It wasn't just one shot. There were several, one after another in quick succession, and I couldn't tell what was happening beyond the door. I didn't want Sergio to get hurt because of me — but I couldn't protect anyone, least of all myself. Every wave of pain that tore through me was worse than the last, each one arriving before I had recovered from the one before it, and I threw every last bit of strength I had into pushing. After a few attempts, there was nothing left. I was hollow, barely present in my own body.
It hurts so much. I'm so tired.
