I hurried out, grabbing my car keys from where they lay near the door.
Driving to my apartment felt like a race against time, even though I knew it was one I couldn’t win.
Every passing minute brought me closer to an inevitable lateness I had no way to justify.
When I arrived, Paulina was standing right by the door.
“Finally! Where the hell were you?” she said, a mix of worry and anger in her tone.
“I’m fine,” I replied as I rushed past her, “but I’m late for work.”
“What? That’s it? Aren’t you going to explain?” she pressed, following me to my room.
“I’ll tell you later. I promise,” I said from the bathroom, shutting the door before she could continue.
I turned on the shower and let the hot water cascade over me, relaxing my tense muscles.
But there was no time to enjoy it. I was
