Gun Shy(33)

She’d fallen in love with them gradually, more and more at ease in their house. She’d found a place where she could smile and really be herself. She’d suddenly stopped wearing her disguise while indoors. She’d started changing clothes as soon as she’d come home every evening, knowing she’d be safe within these walls.

She’d started trusting them months ago.

The realization hit her, and she gasped.

Arms wrapped around her. Warm skin engulfed her, from the front, from behind. They comforted her even as she kept crying for the time she’d lost, for the life she’d lost and found again.

When she looked up again her eyes were clear. “Yes.”

They took one look at her and cheered, their traditional “Hooyah!” echoing throughout the house.

She started laughing and couldn’t stop for a long, long time…