Lara watched the boy as he scanned the room. Then, he stood perfectly still, listening out for her, like a hunter. Lara held her breath, desperate not to make a sound and be found. It seemed like hours he was stood still for. Lara's lungs were burning, the desire for oxygen becoming almost unbearable. The lack of oxygen, combined with her current...medical condition, meant she was already becoming lightheaded. She was terrified she'd lose consciousness and drop to the floor with a crash, a sound that would allow the man to find her instantly, and almost certain spell out her death. By the time he finally left for the sitting room, she was sure she was just seconds from passing out. Lara was finally able to draw in a shaky breath. Though she wanted to do was drag in as much oxygen as she possibly could, she forced herself to still breath quietly.
Once she'd managed to even her breathing, she looked up at the gun again. He'd just left it lying by the table. Lara reached out a trembling hand and brushed it lightly with the tips of her fingers. She could just pick it up. Just shoot him. Then she'd be free, and safe. She could go on her way without dying. But... He was just a child... Still a teenager. He was someone's son, even if they weren't still alive. She couldn't shoot him. He didn't deserve to die, not yet. Everyone deserved a chance at life. Very carefully she removed her hand from the gun, bringing it back to her body, brushing her lower abdomen lightly. It was a very simple gesture, almost unperceivable by others. But Lara understood the meaning, and she just couldn't shoot the boy.
Suddenly, she heard a sharp, short laugh from the other room and footsteps began approaching her again. Lara was truly terrified. She was going to die. Right here, right now. After all that had happened, this was it.
She watched the boy bend down before the table. As his face came directly into her line of vision she flinched, instantly lifting her arms up to protect her face, as if he were about to hit her.
But then, he spoke. "It's alright, you don't have to be afraid of me. I'm just a kid."
Lara looked at him for a few seconds, studying him carefully. Her mind was abuzz with thoughts. She didn't know what to do. He hasn't tried to hurt her yet, but maybe he just wanted to lure her out so she couldn't run before he killed her. But his voice sounded... Kind. He didn't sound like a killer. Then again, she didn't sound like a killer, but she was.
Ever so slowly, Lara lowered her arms, folding them back round herself, shoulders raised in a protective position.
Eventually, she nodded. "Okay," she said tentatively. Her voice trembled along the notes, only just able to get the words out. Her brow was furrowed with fear and worry as she looked up at him, her brown eyes wide. She may have said only a word but her whole body told of every thought and feeling in her mind.