What Have I Done

The rain poured down like a relentless curse, casting a gloomy shroud over the city. Detective Jameson stood outside the dilapidated apartment building, his eyes fixed on the door where his partner, Sarah, had just been taken away in an ambulance. The paramedics had arrived too late. Sarah's injuries were critical, and Jameson couldn't shake the feeling that he was to blame. The events of the past hour replayed in his mind like a nightmare. They had been investigating a string of burglaries in the neighborhood, and their latest lead had brought them to this run-down building. As they approached the door, Jameson had sensed something was off. He had hesitated, but Sarah had pushed forward, her gun drawn. The door had burst open, and a hail of bullets had followed. Jameson had returned fire, but in the chaos, he had lost track of Sarah. He had found her lying on the floor, bleeding profusely, and screaming for help. The guilt and anger swirled inside Jameson like a toxic storm. He had let Sarah down, and now she might pay the ultimate price. The sound of the rain was like a constant reminder of his failure. As he stood there, frozen in grief and self-doubt, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Emily, Sarah's younger sister, who had been waiting anxiously outside. Her eyes were wide with fear and worry. "Jim, what happened?" she asked, her voice trembling. Jameson struggled to find the words. He didn't know how to explain the events that had led to this moment. He didn't know how to tell Emily that her sister might not make it. Emily's eyes locked onto his, and Jameson saw the accusation there. "What have you done, Jim?" she whispered. The question cut deeper than any bullet could. Jameson felt the weight of his responsibility, the weight of his failure. He knew that he would have to live with this moment for the rest of his life. The rain continued to fall, washing away the blood from the sidewalk, but Jameson knew that the stain on his conscience would never be erased. He had let his partner down, and now he had to face the consequences. As the paramedics took Sarah away, Jameson made a silent vow to himself. He would find a way to make it right, to prove to Emily and to himself that he was capable of redemption. The question "What have I done?" would haunt him forever, but he would use it as a reminder to strive for better, to be the partner and the person he should have been in that moment.