For a moment -- a mere fraction of a second -- the man saw Echo for what she really was, a harmless girl whose eyes held only startlement and apology.
Then Madness flexed her grip, and the wide hazel eyes were filled with maggots and oozing pus, spilling down corroded cheeks, past bloodied lips whose gaping grin revealed jagged, blade-like teeth.
Shock and revulsion made him recoil instantly.
Echo was still signing, her hands flapping hurried, contrite words; but he saw only flailing claws, foul and misshapen, swiping again and again for his face, his chest.
nonononononono not possible not real she'll rip you tear you break you boy oh god oh god it's happening they laughed we all laughed run run got to run on puny flesh legs? outrun in a bound you are nothing skyscrapers burning clouds painted in blood this is it this is it all gone gone home in splinters she noNO she is bleeding no not hers sunken eyes unseeing nails caked with blood you're too late she's one of them they've taken her just like they took everything else home friends family her what are you going to do about it?
The punch came without warning, connecting with Echo's cheek with violent force.