Startled Quotes

“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.”
― Judith Lewis Herman, Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror

“When you're scared, you stay as you are!”
― Stephen Richards

“She slammed down the phone. The sharp bang shattered my heart like a bottle hitting the sidewalk”
― Susan Crandall, Whistling Past the Graveyard

“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!”
― Andrew Peterson, The Monster in the Hollows

“I jumped at the sound of my last name. I get started frequently, because I spent most of my time in my own head. With Jake. Reality was not nearly as much fun.”
― Sariah Wilson, The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back

“He laughed and it sounded startled and a bit rusty, as if he didn't do that very often.”
― Amanda McCabe, Running from Scandal

“Mostly everyone in the living room jumped up at the sound of his voice. The words that came out of his mouth did not fully register with most of them. A few were still half asleep and wondering why he decided to appoint himself the position of human alarm clock. Unfortunately, there was no time for subtlety and no time for breakfast.”
― Jason Medina, The Manhattanville Incident: An Undead Novel