Page 196 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

196 | FRANCESCA P E NN

my bare foot. I’d lost one of my flip flops when he tackled me. I take a step and hear
another click. He has another gun. A smaller one aimed at my chest. I dive before
he can pull the trigger.
The gun goes off, the bullet hits an arriving cop car. They jump out car
brandishing their weapons.

“Freeze!”
I do just that. We’re so close to getting back together, the last thing I need is to
be shot.
One of the officers run up to me. “Identify yourself!”
Teo isn’t so lucky. He is rushed by the other three officers since he’s holding a
gun.
“Henri Zidane, I called 9-1-1.” I point at Teo. “He had two guns. One flew
under that car.”
“Come with me, sir.” He’s a younger, newer officer. I don’t make any sudden
movements. I get up slowly, keeping my hands where he can see them and follow
him to the car that wasn’t shot. Sanya is kneeling there trying to get the tape off her

ankles.
“Henri! I’m so glad you’re okay!” She jumps into my arms. She addresses the
officer. “This is Henri; he saved me.” She points in Teo’s direction. “That crazy
man forced his way into my home and held me at gunpoint.”
He nods. “We will get both of your statements.” “Will you be pressing
charges?” the officer asks. “You can bet your beautifully uniformed ass I will!”

Sanya
We enter Henri’s condo. The first wave of normalcy since the day started
washes over me. It calms me. I’m also struck with the realization that it’s Henri, not
his condo. This is the first time today we are able to be together without tension or
danger. The day is almost over, but there is so much I need to do. Everything
stopped when I was in danger. Now that it’s over, I need to repair the damage. We
stare at each other, not quite sure were to begin.