A Ticking Time Bomb

JENNA

I stand paralyzed, staring at my husband but seeing nothing. It's as if someone has taken over my body and deprived me of all ability to function.

For a moment, I think I’ve misheard, and this is all a dream - one in which Andras is yelling at me because he is drunk - so I pinch myself hard. But, no, I am awake. This is not a dream, and everything happening is quite real.

My mouth hangs open for a half second, and I have no idea what to say. But I quickly find my voice. "Andras, did you just threaten me?"

No, no. He would not dare. I'm still in amazement, and what he just said is a joke. Right?

My chest tightens as I look at him. Perhaps I might understand his thoughts and what is going on in his head. But his eyes are harsh. And so cold, as if they could cut through anything in its path.

The expression on his face scares me. He's like an enraged wolf, waiting for his victim - me - to cower at his feet. It's not a look I ever thought I would see from my husband.

It frightens