The Ultimate Return of Carlos

18: Into the Lion's Den

'LATE IN THE EVENING, THE FOLLOWING DAY.'

Carlos, exhausted from the day's work and stress, lay sprawled on the couch in his living room. His white T-shirt was partly wrinkled, and his black pants and brogues still clung to him. A sudden vibration from his pocket interrupted his rest. Pulling out his phone, he saw Toby's name flashing on the screen.

Not wanting to deal with it, he dropped his phone on the nearby glass table and let it ring out. Moments later, as he drifted into sleep, another vibration jolted him awake. Frustrated, he stretched out his hand, grabbed the phone, and with a long press on the side button, switched it off before placing it on his chest and attempting to resume his rest.

After a while, now in a deep sleep, a familiar sound rang out. In his half - conscious state, it felt like a dream to Carlos. The persistent and consistent ringing of his doorbell finally pulled him back to reality. Groaning, he stood up from the couch and called out as he approached