The Ultimate Return of Carlos

41

'THE FOLLOWING DAY'

Carlos stirred awake early in the morning. The soft glow of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a warm hue across the bedroom. He blinked a few times before stretching his arms, feeling the weight of the day ahead settling on his shoulders. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, it read 6:05 AM. He groaned softly, rubbing his face, before swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Toby, who shared the room with him, was still deep in sleep, sprawled out on his back, snoring lightly.

Carlos stood up, slipping on a pair of sweatpants and an old shirt. He felt the slight sting of the bruises still fresh from the encounter a few days prior, but the soreness had become a dull ache now. He ran a hand over his face, the morning air cool against his skin as he quietly padded toward the guestroom where Abby had stayed overnight.

Outside her door, he hesitated for a second, unsure if he should wake her just yet. But they had a busy day ahead, and he knew she wouldn’t