Jinny stood with her hands outstretched, holding stock-still, as if moving could somehow detonate the tense scene in front of her. Even though she was trying not to be scared, a tiny whimper slid from her mouth.

The man looked at Jinny for several seconds, before he lowered his weapon completely and put the safety back on. "Shit. I could've shot you, little girl, you know that?" He sounded angry, but his face was more worried than anything.

"I'm sorry." The words popped out quite immediately, but Jinny realized she meant it. This guy seemed like he would have been very sad if he'd hurt her.