"He doesn't like being challenged," Aaron says. "Especially in front of other men."
I look down at my hands only to see my fingers are still shaking
He stands carefully and rolls his sleeve back down.
"You don't owe me an apology," he adds. "You didn't pull the trigger."
I look up at him. "But I caused it."
He doesn't answer that.
Instead, he reaches for his jacket. "You should go before he comes looking."
"I will," I say. "I just needed you to hear it from me."
He nods once. "I heard you."
I turn to leave, then stop at the door.
"Aaron?"
"Yes."
"I'm glad it was your arm," I say quietly. "Not your head."
Despite himself he lets out a full bellied laugh. "Me too ma'am, me too"
————————————————————
I don't see Zane all day when I wake up the next day.
Not at breakfast, not in the hallways. I keep my head down and stay in the kitchen with Margaret because it's easier there. The work is simple and and doesn't shoot freakng guns at people.
