When you're scared, you stay as you are!

She slammed down the phone. The sharp bang shattered my heart like a bottle hitting the sidewalk

After a traumatic experience, the human system of self-preservation seems to go onto permanent alert, as if the danger might return at any moment.

He laughed and it sounded startled and a bit rusty, as if he didn't do that very often.

Lad, I think we've got what we need for this page. Why don't you go have a look around? And keep out of trouble, or that Madam Sidler will scare you silly." Oskar put a hand to the side of his mouth and lowered his voice. "She's everywhere.""Can I help you?" said Madam Sidler from the corner of the room. Oskar jumped with such violence that his spectacles clattered to the floor. "I heard you mention my name and thought I might be of assistance.""Good heavens, woman!" Oskar exclaimed. "We're fine!