Chase

11

February 23rd
2008
8 o'clock at night

Sarah was worried. After multiple tests, Dr. Weston had told them that Thomas had lung cancer and asked them if he could stay the night at the hospital. Hoping to take her and her family's minds off of the diagnosis, they had started a movie in the living room. But as much as she tried to concentrate on it, all she could think about was Thomas. She knew that Peter—who had just come back from work the day before—was having the same problem. And as much as she loved The Princess Bride, she found that she couldn't pay attention.

She jumped off the couch as the sound of breaking glass suddenly came from the other end of the house. Peter quickly turned to her. "Hide," he said, then looked down at his daughter and smiled at her, but it seemed somewhat nervous. "I need you to hide with Mom, okay?"

"But I want to come with you!" She replied unhappily.

"Please, Sweetie. I need you to be safe. Okay?" She didn't answer. "Okay, Annie?" He repeated. She nodded. Peter then kissed her and his wife before they ran and hid in a nearby closet. Annie watched through a gap in the wood as he turned, drew his favourite handgun out of his belt, and another bang came, closer this time. He walked towards the hallway, gun raised. As he looked around the corner, Annie saw his eyes widen. He shot at something and heard someone yell, and then another shot rang out. Peter collapsed as a figure—who was clearly a man—walked into view. He looked down at Peter before reaching down and stealing his gun. The man then shot the kitchen window and jumped out into the darkness. Sarah ran out of the closet and knelt next to Peter, then started to sob.

Peter was dead.