CARL

I slowly opened my eyes, and I was greeted by the dim light of the motel room. I stretched my arms and let out a contented sigh, feeling the softness of the bed beneath me. I turned to my side, expecting to see Alma lying next to me, but she was nowhere to be found. My heart skipped a beat as I quickly scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But she was gone.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Just hours before, we had shared a night of passion and intimacy, ...