The Resistance || Money Heist

The Halfway House || .002

         It had been just over seven months since the night Sergio and Andrés unexpectedly appeared at her apartment, reigniting a whirlwind of emotions and unresolved issues. The three of them spent hours in the softly lit dining area, reminiscing and catching up on each other's lives, laughter occasionally breaking through the tension that hung in the air. However, as dawn approached, Ava lost track of time and forgot that her fiancé, Martin, was due home from work.

When Martin finally walked through the door, the moment was electric. He froze, his face twisting into a mask of rage as he took in the scene: his fiancée seated comfortably with two men, their presence amplifying his simmering jealousy and possessiveness. Though he was seething internally at the thought of them spending the night alone with Ava, his facade of charm and false congeniality kicked in, masking the turmoil beneath. Ava knew Martin could be unpredictable, his temper flaring at the smallest affront, and she could feel the tension radiating from him.

              Sergio and Andrés, ever perceptive, quickly recognized the façade Martin projected; his pretense was painfully transparent. As the evening wore on, the tension in the room thickened, becoming almost unbearable. When they finally left, Ava was left to grapple with the aftermath. The morning unfolded with a torrent of accusations hurled at her by Martin, who was enraged that she hadn't mentioned the two men's visit in advance. His fury reached a boiling point when he learned that Andrés—a name that had haunted their past—had resurfaced. They had believed they had severed ties with Andrés, that his influence was a thing of the past, but his return felt like a dark cloud casting a shadow over their lives once again. With every move Andrés made, Ava felt her world tilt precariously, the familiar cycle of trouble and heartache reining them all back in.

           Skepticism gripped Ava when Sergio first approached her with the idea of joining in on the heist he was planning. But as days turned into weeks, and with careful persuasion, he gradually chipped away at her doubts. He painted a picture of a grand plan, explaining in detail how their involvement could yield greater benefits—not just for themselves, but potentially for their entire country. The stakes were high, but his conviction was energizing. Slowly, she found herself captivated by the vision he laid before her.

           However, there was one critical condition: Martin had to be part of the plan too. The Professor, although skeptical of Martin's capabilities and true character, understood Ava's importance to the heist and reluctantly agreed to bring both her and Martin into the fold. This melding of their lives into the heist crew was fraught with tension, yet it was a step towards change.

            In a moment of reflection, Ava stood before her bedroom mirror, her heart heavy with frustration. She gazed intently at the image before her—a woman dressed in a fitted white sleeveless top that accentuated her form while barely covering her navel, paired with sleek black leggings that highlighted her long legs. Black pumps completed her ensemble, adding a touch of boldness. She had tucked away the locket she always wore—a cherished memento—into the fabric of her top, as if keeping it close would ground her amidst the chaos.

             A lively group of friends, buzzing with excitement about an upcoming festival, urged Ava to join them, their voices overlapping in a chorus of persuasion. But just as their enthusiasm began to sway her, Nairobi burst into the room, followed by an equally vibrant Tokyo. Their energy was contagious, yet Ava felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She had barely slept the previous night, caught in a cycle of late-night arguments with Martin that left her restless and drained. Today had already demanded so much, her mind a flurry of thoughts, and standing here, she felt torn between the allure of escape and the brutal reality of her circumstances. In that moment, the weight of her choices pressed heavily on her shoulders, challenging her to find clarity in the mess.