The day had just begun to stretch its arms when Lucas’s voice sliced through the lingering fog of sleep that enveloped me. It was nearing noon, yet fatigue clung to me like a heavy blanket. I had only managed a few hours of restless slumber before Lucas’s incessant calls yanked me back to reality. The vicar awaited us, a considerable distance away, and while I wouldn’t have to brave the perilous waters by boat, the journey still loomed as a daunting task.
"Get up, Leo," Lucas ordered, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife. He was always like this, all business and no time for anyone's excuses.
I groaned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. “I’m awake, alright. Maybe if you hadn’t chugged that energy drink, you wouldn’t be so hyped up.”
Lucas’s stare was unwavering as if my grum
