...A Month Ago...

The night air outside the dingy bar reeked of alcohol, sweat, and despair.

Neon lights flickered over the grimy entrance, casting an eerie glow over the cracked pavement.

Jose leaned against the car, his fingers tapping nervously on its hood. His friend stood nearby, swiping at his phone.

Inside the car, Cathy sat quietly, her wide eyes darting around, clutching her dress as if it were a lifeline.

"Where the hell is she?" Jose muttered, his breath fogging in the cool air.

"She said five minutes," his friend replied distractedly, not looking up. "We need to be on our way to Montaine, you know. I won't lose...