VERA’S POV

Timothy and I were slowly adjusting to the silence just when the gunshots stopped. But it didn’t last. Within seconds, it felt like everyone was reloading because the gunfire started again, louder and more terrifying.

That was when Jack called me back.

I picked up, but I couldn’t speak. My throat was dry with fear. My arms tightened around Timothy, and before I could say anything, he had already ended the call.

When I finally calmed Tim down a bit, I tried calling Jack again, but his line was busy. That made me panic even more. What was going on out there?

I bit down on my lower...