The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the small, cozy apartment where James and Michael had built a life together. It had been a quiet afternoon, with the two of them lounging on the couch, enjoying each other's company. James's arm was wrapped around Michael, and the TV played softly in the background, a soothing presence. The peace was abruptly shattered by the shrill ringing of James's phone. He scrambled to answer it, his heart racing as he recognized the caller ID as his sister, Emma. There was an immediate sense of foreboding, a knot of anxiety that tightened in his chest. "Hello?" James said, his voice trembling with apprehension. The voice on the other end was choked with sobs. It was Emma, and she could barely speak through her tears. "James, you need to come

