*Valerie's POV
As I settled back into the car, I instinctively curled up, trying to shield my legs from the relentless sun. It was baffling how the rays managed to affect me just like anyone else, despite being a hybrid. Suddenly, I caught sight of John, who was thoughtfully draping his jacket over the car mirror, determined to block the scorching sunlight.
When he slid back into the seat beside me, I reached for my phone, eager to call my friends yet again. Frustration bubbled inside me as the familiar silence met my repeated attempts. It felt like an endless loop of unanswered calls.
“ Are they still not answering? Let's try and drive towards somewhere with shade. Maybe the beach.” John said as he reached for the ignition trying to start the car but was unable to.
The relentless s
