76-I'd Do It Again

**Zuri's POV**

I keep my gun aimed at the lifeless body on our living room floor. The puddle of blood grows more by the second. I don't see anything else going on around me, and I can only hear the ringing in my ear from the sound of my gun. Someone gently grabs my wrist and takes the gun from my hand, but my eyes stay focused on the person who would have taken the love of my life from me. The sound of Jilly's cry brakes me from my trans, and I rush to her room. Sav is already getting Jilly from her crib to soothe her because the gunshot startled her. My senses are all coming back; it overwhelms my mind. Strong arms wrap around Sav and me, giving as much comfort as possible considering the situation.
I killed a man. I killed him in our home without the slightest bit of hesitation; I would do it again. I can't think about how this will affect me in the future. All I can think about is my wife is alive. Our babies are safe, and Daveed came home right on time.

The house is swarming with police. Sav and I have answered a million questions and given multiple statements to different officers. We're tired of talking to people. I want to leave this house, and I don't think I ever want to return. I can't stay here after what I just did. We finally get to sit down without being bothered, and our parents are finally allowed to come over to talk to us. The police wouldn't let us speak to anyone for a while.
"I'm so glad you're all safe. You can stay at our place until things get figured out." My mom offered. Their house isn't big, but there's my old room that still has a decent-sized bed where we could sleep. Sav and Daveed's parents offer a place for us to stay as well. I think staying at Leo and Evelynn's house would be the best idea because they have a much bigger house, and I know his parents will give us plenty of privacy. Sav's parents and my parents are more talkative and nosey.
Daveed goes into the house to pack our luggage while we wait in the car with Jilly. Sav and I got asked to come to the police station for more questions, but Daveed told the officer that we will not be answering any more questions tonight because there was already enough stress on the twins. Even Jilly is still fussy because she can feel the tension and stress coming from everyone around her. We would like to get her to her mamaw's and papaw's so we can all relax.
Daveed loads the car and gets in. "Is there anything else you two might want before we leave?"
"No," We respond together. I feel like my body is on autopilot. The whole ride to Daveed's parent's house was completely silent. What are we supposed to say? Not only are we all traumatized, but we're heartbroken. We will never be able to go back into that house without being reminded of this dreadful day. Sav and I believe in evil spirits, and one was just released into the home where we planned on raising our babies. Now, we have a newborn baby with two more on the way, and we have to search for a new house.
We get settled in one of the guest rooms and unpack our things, remaining silent. Leo brings the bassinet that they bought for their house into our room. "If any of you need anything, I'll be in the living room. Can I take Sweetpea?"
We don't know why he calls Jilly Sweetpea, but he has ever since the first time he held her. He's the only grandparent that chooses to call her something other than Jilly-Bean. It's honestly the cutest thing.
"Yeah, it's probably a good idea to give us some space. Jilly needs her Papaw." I respond. Sav takes her from her car seat, and Leo cuddles her close as he walks off.
I climb into the bed and lie down on my left side. I take deep breaths as I attempt to calm my racing heart. That terrifying moment replays in my head so vividly; I feel like I'm back at home. I feel Daveed lie behind me and take me into his arms before Sav comes to join us in front of me. I know I did what I had to do. I know if I didn't act fast, my wife would most likely not be here with me right now. I wouldn't be able to run my fingers through her hair, taste her on my tongue, or raise our babies together. I would have lost a part of my soul in a split second.
I look into her eyes and see pain. I'm thankful I get to look into her eyes at all. The more I think about everything I could have lost if I never pulled the trigger, the more thankful I am for doing what I needed to do. Maybe I should feel some remorse because Damien will never take another breath. I should feel sad for taking someone's life. I should, but I don't. I'm not sorry, and I'm not going to let that man live in my head for the rest of my life because I protected my family. Maybe the next lunatic from that family will think before coming to my home or bother our family.
"I don't want to move," I say.
"We can lay here for as long as you need," Sav gently kisses my nose.
"I mean, I don't want to move out of our home. We can have our house cleansed and get new carpets and furniture, but that is our home. I can live with it if you two can." At first, I didn't think I could ever step foot into that house again, but the more I think about the memories we made there, it makes me realize it's too important for us to pack up and leave.
"Are you sure? Maybe we should take a few days to think about it, babe. Our adrenaline is still going crazy right now. I think we should all go to my next therapy session together so we can get professional help." I might have been the one who shot him, but Sav was the one with a gun aimed at her face for the second time, wondering if that was going to be her last moment alive. I should also take into account how Daveed is feeling. I know he is hard on himself for leaving the house in the first place.
"You might be right. We'll take some time to think on it." We hold one another closely as I rest my head on Sav's chest. The rhythm of her beating heart will forever be my favorite song.