Chapter 16. My Little Secret

“Whoa, whoa, easy, Peyton! Put the gun down!” said Ben, panicked. In front of him, Tom Peyton was suddenly pointing a black gun. “Oh God, should I call the police?” whispered Keira, gripping her mother’s hand tightly.

“No, wait,” hissed Ben. He walked closer to Tom, whose hand was shaking. In one swift motion, he snatched the gun from him. Tom immediately glared and fell to the ground. But suddenly, Ben aimed the gun back at Tom, causing Keira and her mother to scream.

“Ben, stop! What are you doing?” she shouted, tugging at the back of Nicholas’s navy blue crewneck. There was tension for a few seconds until Ben finally threw the gun on the ground. “Don’t worry, it’s a toy gun!” he cried, glancing at Tom, who hadn’t said anything since.

Keira turned her gaze to Tom and felt pity for a moment. She walked over to him and crouched down. 

“Hey Tom, are you okay?” she asked gently. Tom Peyton looked up. 

“Can I give you a hug?” finally, he spoke. Keira gulpe