Chapter Seven #2
I shook my head, too shaky to speak. Linzie whimpered, “I’m okay.”
The dance was effectively over—the overhead lights brightened, music cut off. An officer told the staff they could end the lockdown; paramedics arrived just to check if anyone was injured. I glanced at the auditorium door, seeing frightened teens peeking out. The dance was done—for tonight, at least.
Knox held us, breathing unsteadily. “God…I almost lost it.”
He closed his eyes, raw emotion flickering across his face. “But I couldn’t…I won’t let him drag me back to that life. I’m not risking you two.”
Linzie sniffled, burying her face in his chest. “Knox… you saved us.”
I pressed a trembling kiss to his shoulder, tears wetting my cheeks. Police bustled around, taking statements. Knox gently let go of us to speak to the officers, explaining the confrontation. One by one, we recounted what happened. Linzie still clung to my hand. I was still shaking, but a strange sense of calm settled over me. We were together, and we were safe.
Later, after the officers announced that we were free to go home, we stepped into the cool February night. Valentine’s Day still lingered in the icy stars overhead, but for me, the holiday’s meaning had shifted forever. It was no longer just about hearts and roses and sweet sentiments. It was about choosing love in the face of fear, redemption in the face of violence. And holding onto each other when the world tried to tear us apart.