The Resistance || Money Heist

The Night Before || .003

          Ava sat quietly at the long, dimly lit dinner table, her sharp eyes absorbing the lively chatter and laughter swirling around her. It felt as if time had slowed, the air thick with anticipation, for tomorrow was the day they had all worked so tirelessly to reach—a day that promised the sweet scent of new wealth tantalizingly close. The big heist lay on the horizon, set to unfold at dawn's first light. In just two weeks, if everything went off without a hitch, they would cross into the realm of millionaires. Though their path would lead them into the shadows of criminality, they clung to the hope of freedom that the riches would bring.

          As the dinner progressed, Ava's mind raced through every detail of their meticulously crafted plan, each step drilled into their memories through relentless repetition. The gravity of the task ahead weighed on her heavily; one misstep could unravel the entire operation, sending them spiraling into chaos. It was imperative that they all stood united, a singular force ready to conquer the task that lay before them. 

         Her eyes drifted momentarily to Berlin, an unexpected intensity in her gaze that caught him off guard. A flicker of amusement crossed his face as he smirked, drawing her attention away like a moth to a flame. Suddenly self-conscious, Ava turned her focus to her half-eaten plate of food, pushing aside the remnants of her meal. With a decided motion, she rose and tossed the uneaten food into the trash, drawing the curious attention of several others at the table. Martin's piercing gaze followed her every move, Tokyo regarded her with a knowing look, and Berlin continued to hold her with an intense stare that sent a shiver down her spine.

          Nervous energy buzzed in her veins, a stark contrast to the calm confidence she had tried to project. Once again, she settled into her chair next to Martin, feeling the weight of his presence on her left, while Berlin remained just across the table on her right. The Professor, with an air of authority, poured shots into the empty glasses before him, his keen eyes scanning each member of the group one at a time, as if he were mentally assessing their readiness for the impending challenge. The tension grew palpable as they all sat poised for the adventure that lay just beyond the horizon. 

         "I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for placing your trust in me, just as I have placed my trust in all of you," Sergio announced, his voice steady and reassuring. The flickering light from the small lamp cast shadows across the room, emphasizing the intensity etched on his face. "Morning will arrive sooner than you can imagine, and soon enough, you'll find yourselves inside the Mint. And when the time comes, you will escape. We simply need to adhere to the plan." A swell of pride filled Sergio as he spoke; his faith in their carefully crafted scheme radiated from him, instilling confidence in the others as they listened intently, hanging on his every word. 

         Ava looked into Sergio's determined eyes and felt a surge of conviction. She believed wholeheartedly that they would make it out unscathed. She resolved to stick to the plan with unwavering dedication, vowing to do everything within her power to ensure that no one would jeopardize their hard-earned opportunity.

        "To the Professor!" Denver nearly shouted, his exhilaration palpable as he raised his frosty beer high in a toast, its condensation glistening in the dim light.

        "Our Guardian Angel," Tokyo echoed softly, her voice a low whisper, yet filled with reverence, as she joined Denver in raising her glass. A sly grin spread across their faces, a mixture of excitement and mischief as they leaned into the camaraderie that bonded them. They all silently hoped that their meticulous plans wouldn't be compromised.

         Around them, unspoken tensions simmered. Tokyo and Rio's budding romance deepened each day, creating an undeniable connection that often distracted them from their goals. Denver and Moscow shared a bond that transcended friendship—father and son, united by blood yet tested by circumstance. Personal investments led to precarious risks; the very things that made one willing to sacrifice everything for love also opened the door to mistakes.