Shattered

It wasn't until the soft raps of somebody's knuckles against the door became harsh, incessant banging that she finally acknowledged it-the loud sound had her nearly jumping out of her own skin.

Anxiety rippled through her, the adrenaline buzzing and making her feel like she just stopped short to avoid a head-on collision, her skin crawling.

Her trembling fingers brushed over the scrolled brass handle, hesitating, before gripping the handle in hand and slowly pushing the door open to walk inside-

-with a scream lodged in her throat.