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This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
Trigger Warning:
This book also includes depictions o...
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Onika Maraj Manhattan Hospital
December 13
The officer stood across from me, clipboard in hand, his eyes narrowing as he flipped to a fresh page. My throat was dry, and my hands wouldn't stop shaking, but I had to keep it together.
"Did you see anything suspicious?" he asked, his voice low but steady.
I swallowed hard, glancing at my sister beside me. She was adjusting the bandage on my arm, trying to be gentle, but her worry was written all over her face.
I blinked, trying to focus. My mind was still swirling, replaying everything in a haze of panic and confusion.
"No," I began softly, my voice trembling a little. "I... I didn't see anything. I was just talking with my mother. We were sitting together." I paused, the words feeling heavier as they left my lips.
I hadn't even processed it all yet.
The officer scribbled something down, waiting. I clenched my fists, trying to push through the lump in my throat. "And then... I heard glass breaking," I continued, the memory flashing in my mind like it had just happened. "And... and shots. I didn't know what was happening. It all happened so fast."
I stopped, my breath hitching. I could feel the tears welling up, but I wasn't about to let them fall. Not now. Not in front of him.
"I just-" I choked up, my voice catching in my chest. My sister rubbed my shoulder, reassuring me, but I couldn't get the words out. I bit my lip, fighting the sob that wanted to break free.
The officer nodded, still writing, but I could see the look in his eyes. He knew I was holding back the flood of emotions, but I had to stay strong.
At least for now.
Lauren's voice cut through the air, firm but protective. "That's enough questions for today," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
I watched the officer's posture shift, shoulders relaxing as he nodded, closing his notebook and heading out without another word.
The room felt too quiet once the door shut. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the racing in my chest, but there was only one thing on my mind.
"Where's Mom?" I asked, my voice almost a whisper, afraid of the answer.
Lauren's eyes immediately filled with tears, and I knew the news wasn't good. She tried to hold it together for me, but her voice cracked as she spoke.
"She's in surgery," she said, looking away for a second like she couldn't bear to see the fear on my face. "The bullet... it hit her lower abdomen, near her liver. They're trying to stop the bleeding."
There was suddenly yelling outside the door, it was loud enough to make both me and Lauren jump.
