10 BIRTHDAY GOONS

  ARIEL'S POV   Upon hearing the gunshot, an unsettling feeling washed over me. The darkness made it impossible for me to see anything around me. And that was just bullshit.   Andre, holding my hands, reassured me, "Don't be scared, alright?"   Amidst the chaos, someone shouted, "What's happening?" Another gunshot pierced the air, causing me to tremble with fear.   Gunshots echoed, and people scattered in fear, fleeing in different directions. Andre and I remained motionless. It was evident that he lacked fear, showing an unusual indifference towards death. But for me, let's just say it was quite the complete opposite.   As the doors swung open, another gunshot rang out, this time from the room. It meant that the shooters had entered the hall. Terrified, I kept my fear hidden, not wanting to show it since Andre remained unfazed. I wondered where Luke was at that moment.   "Nobody move!" a man shouted loudly, and the lights flickered on. Two lifeless bodies of middle-aged w