ALERA

“Daddy?!”

My sharp and panicked voice splits the silence. I drop to my knees beside him so fast the floor burns my skin through my jeans.

He’s not moving.

His eyes are closed. His lips are parted. He looks… asleep. Peaceful, even. But I know something’s wrong.

“Dad?” I whisper, shaking his shoulder.

Nothing.

“Dad? please...wake up.” My voice cracks.

I press my fingers to his neck, searching for a pulse, but my hands are trembling too badly. I can’t feel ...