CLAIRE

"Are you okay?" Julian asked, his hands gripping my shoulders, his eyes scanning my face frantically.

I tried to speak but no sound came out, my mouth opened and closed but nothing worked, shock, some distant part of my brain registered, I was in shock.

"Claire," Julian said more urgently, giving me a small shake. "Are you hurt? Did any get on you?"

I shook my head, the only movement I could manage. "Look at me," Julian commanded, his voice sharp now. "Claire, look at me."

I focused on his gray eyes, seeing fear and relief and something fierce all mixed together. "You're okay," he said, more to himself...