Silent Strangers

SIX

Chapter SIX:
Tobias

I woke up with a pounding headache, the remnants of last night's festivities still lingering in the air. I groaned and rolled over, burying my face in the pillow. The world spun dizzily as I tried to remember the events of the previous evening. Fragments of images flashed through my mind: Grace's laughter, the feel of her hand in mine, the way her eyes seemed to hold a universe within them.
A wave of satisfaction washed over me. It had been a long time since I'd felt this alive, this connected to someone.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stumbled to the bathroom, the familiar sting of regret hitting me as I caught sight of my reflection. I splashed cold water on my face, hoping it would clear my head.
As I dressed, my phone buzzed with a text from Kai. "Dude, where are you? I need a full debrief on last night. Spill."
I chuckled, shaking my head. Kai was always eager to know the juicy details. I replied with a simple, "Later," and slipped out of the apartment.
I needed coffee.
And maybe a little time to process everything that had happened.
I found a small, independent coffee shop a few blocks away, the aroma of freshly ground beans filling the air. I ordered a double espresso, hoping it would kickstart my brain. As I waited for my order, I replayed the night in my mind. Grace had been captivating, intelligent, and surprisingly easy to talk to. There was a depth to her that intrigued me, a mystery I was eager to unravel.

My phone buzzed again, this time a call from Kai.
I declined, not ready to face his relentless questioning yet. I took a sip of my coffee, the bitter taste a stark contrast to the sweetness of my memories from the night before. I was lost in thought when my phone rang again, this time an unfamiliar number.

I hesitated before answering.
"Hello?"
"Tobias, it's Selena," her voice was urgent. "You need to come to me. Now."
A wave of concern washed over me. Something was wrong.
"What's happened?" I asked, my voice steady despite the rising panic. "I can't explain over the phone. Just get here."

She hung up without giving me a chance to respond. I stood up abruptly, my coffee forgotten. Something was definitely wrong.
I had to get to Selena.

As I burst out of the coffee shop, my heart pounded in my chest. What could have happened? A wave of dread washed over me. I sprinted to my car, fumbling with the keys. I needed to get there, to find out what was wrong. As I sped away, my mind raced.
All I could think about was Grace.

I couldn't shake the feeling that she was the only thing that could possibly distract me from the impending storm.