Anna paced the living room, her bare feet silent against the cold tiles. The clock on her phone glowed 11:47 p.m. She refreshed the screen again, as if the numbers might change.
“It’s almost midnight and he still isn’t back yet,” she murmured, worry threading through her voice.
A soft knock broke the silence. Her lips curved into a quick, relieved smile. “It’s him.”
Before she could take a step, the door swung open. Anthony stepped inside, shoulders heavy, movements slow.
“What happened? Why are you out so late?” she asked, moving toward him.
He didn’t answer.
She studied his face under the warm light of the living room lamp. The color had drained from his skin, leaving him pale and drawn. Dark circles shadowed his eyes.
“Are you okay?” Her voice softened with concern. “Is there som
