David left his home like lightning and ran out into the street, where only a few people were walking quickly in pairs or trios, impatient to get home. It was now the hottest time of the year in Los Angeles. The sky was dense with clouds, the air was heavy. There was not even a single gust of wind to cool the atmosphere. It was like the whole city was covered in a gray curtain, suffocating people, rendering them unable to breathe.

David's heartbeat was unusually fast, he could not tell if this was due to the weather or the high level of tension he was feeling. Likewise, he did...