Coby jolted awake, his heart racing. He fixated on the mesmerising patterns of the ceiling, the intricate designs dancing before his eyes. Memories of his intense dreams flooded back, particularly the one featuring Elaine, their bodies intertwined in a passionate embrace. Weary and sluggish, he dragged his exhausted body out of bed and stepped into the shower. A string of expletives escaped his lips as the icy water hit his skin, sending a shockwave through his senses. Recalling the maintenance manager’s words about the arrival of plumbers today, he felt an unexpected surge of energy. In the kitchen, he ignited the gas hob and stove, filling the room with warmth. He heated the pie Gracie had given him and brewed a pot of strong, bitter coffee, its aroma enveloping the air.
Entering his of
