Ten Mississippi, nine Mississippi…
She draws in a deep breath, counting down. In a slow exhale, the air passes her lips, leaving her muscles loose as she becomes an extension of the rifle in her grip.
Three Mississippi, two Mississippi…
One more breath, releasing it just as slow and leaving her lungs empty while her finger lies on the trigger -- the warning breathed on this exhale as her countdown concludes.
One Mississippi.
“Black dog.”
(L.W./M.L.)
















