“Let me see your hands” he snarls in an unfamiliar tone that penetrates deep inside my heart.

Before me stands a shadow of a man I had grown so accostomed to. His stiff posture as he holds the shotgun and the rage dripping from his brow was a stark contrast.

I reveal my hands palms facing forward. “Now remove the mask” he spits out as he waves the barrel as some sort of instruction.

“Please” I beg barely going above a whisper. “We want the same thing.”

The anger boils over in his eyes. In a sudden rush he grabs my wrist pressing the barrel against my temple.

“Get on your knees” he commands and shoves me down by my shoulders. “Last chance”.

I close my eyes and feel the cold metal settle into my skin. I can hear his heavy breath as a tear streams down my face. “Im trying to make this place better”

He scoffs. “This world is long past saving. Just take a look around. We don’t need anymore heroes. I’m not asking again”. He grabs my hand forcefully placing it on the edge of my mask.

I let out a deep breath and slowly peel the mask away. I feel my hand rub agaisnt the barrel and stop. I open my eyes and meet his.

Sweet honey.

His eyes melt into mine as the realization sinks in. “You” he whispers.

He places the shotgun next to us on the ground. He pulls me off the ground. In unison he grabs my throat with both hands and begins to squeeze.

“I told you this wouldn’t work” I choke out as a look of bewilderment darkens his face. His grip tightens as if to be sure this moment was real.

I take in the subtle curve of his nose and the tiny freckle by his eye. My eyes begin to burn as the tears swell almost as a foreshadowing of what I had to do.

I reach out my arm to touch his chest. His heart beats against my palm. In reaction he begins to squeeze harder. I look into the distance as a singular red beam burns through his skull.

Suddenly his grip loosens as he falls onto his knees dragging me with him. I pry his hands from around my throat and collapse on top of him.

Sweet honey.

I stare down into his lifeless eyes