The elevator door swung open, and Francisco sprinted out, brandishing his gun. His urgency was palpable as he halted in front of the door to Hazel's apartment. Without a moment's hesitation, he aimed at the knob and fired, the gunshot echoing through the corridor. With a forceful kick, he flung the door wide open.

Amid the chaos, Hazel's distressed voice reached Francisco's ears.

She was pleading, "Leave me."

Driven by the need to protect her, Francisco charged toward her ...