The Ultimate Return of Carlos

47

Carlos squinted as sunlight crept through the thin curtains of his room, the faint sound of birds chirping in the distance blending with the mechanical hum of his alarm clock. His phone buzzed beside him, vibrating incessantly until it stirred him from the depths of his half-awake state. Groggily, he reached over to silence it, his fingers brushing across the smooth surface of the screen before the buzzing stopped. His body sank back into the mattress, the familiar warmth of the sheets urging him to close his eyes for just a little longer.

But then his phone buzzed again—a WhatsApp notification this time. His brows furrowed slightly as he brought the phone closer to his face, squinting at the bright screen. It was a message from Toby, reminding him about the evening’s job.

“Don’t forget tonight. Might leave town for a bit. Not sure where yet. Will update you once I know.”

Carlos stared at the message, the reality of what was to come slowly settling into his consciousness. He let out a