It all feels like the world has slowed down to a single moment: Miguel's body arching backward as he's yanked away, the back of his head hitting the table. She will never forget that sound, of bone smashing against something harder. She will never forget how Miguel let out a sort of whimper, from pain or surprise, she'll never know. All she knew is how the whole thing unfolded and shocked her to the core. And in the middle of it all is Gabriel, who, in his panic after what he presumed to be a timely swooping in to save her, throws his arms around her to calm her down.
"It's alright, Claire," Gabriel whispers. "It's alright. Miguel and I will…"
