Michael sat in the living room, his phone clutched in his hand. His eyes were fixed on the message he had sent to Alex—still unread.

"Can you make it down to my apartment? I really need to see you."

He had sent it over an hour ago. Delivered, but not seen.

Michael exhaled sharply. “Should I just call him?” he muttered, tapping on Alex’s contact and pressing dial. The moment the line rang, he heard a phone buzzing outside his door.

His heart skipped. ...