The Ultimate Return of Carlos

62

'MOMENTS LATER'

Carlos shifted in his bed, watching Abby glance at her watch. The cold light from the bedside lamp cast soft shadows on her face, accentuating her furrowed brow. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before sighing. "I need to go," she said softly, her voice tinged with regret. "If I’m gone too long, my father might suspect I came to see you."

Carlos nodded, a tight smile pulling at his lips. He could sense the unease behind her words. His fingers brushed against hers briefly as she stood up. "I understand. I’m just glad you came." His eyes met hers with warmth. "And thank you, Abby… for agreeing to move in with me."

Abby’s expression flickered with doubt, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Don’t thank me just yet, Carlos," she said, pulling her hand away and stepping toward the door. "Let’s wait and see how my father takes this news." Her voice was firm, but there was an edge of fear, a knowing fear that the battle had only just begun.

Carlos exhaled slow