That’s when I suddenly tuned it all out, ignored all of it, and concentrated on one thing.

I looked up, almost in slow motion, and locked eyes with my friend. I weighed the gun in my hand — cool, heavy, full of purpose. I squeezed it, running my thumb over the ridges of the grip and feeling my breath slow to a crawl. Everything around me slowed to nothing, the yelling and gun waving tuning out until it was just me, the gun in my hand, and my best friend.

I looked up and locked eyes with her.

She no

dded.

Sometimes you just have to jump in.

I raised...