As the first light of dawn pierced through the curtains, I found myself emerging from a fragile slumber, my eyelids heavy with exhaustion and my heart weighed down by a familiar dread. Gripping my phone with trembling fingers, I dialed Ethan's number, anxiety coursing through me like electricity. To my relief, he answered.

"Don’t you think it's a bit too early for this kind of call?" he mumbled, the sound of a yawn lingering in his voice.

I closed my eyes tight, letting out a heavy sigh ...