The lights of the checkpoint glared ahead like an unforgiving spotlight, illuminating every crack in our hastily constructed facade.
My breath hitched as the car rolled to a stop. Rosa's knuckles were white against the steering wheel, though her face betrayed nothing but calm indifference.
"Stay calm," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine. "We just need to act normal and all this would be over in an heartbeat."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.
The uniformed officer approached the driver's side window, his flashlight slicing through the night like a blade.
Rosa lowered the window with a mechanical whir, the frigid air rushing in to meet us.
"Good evening officer" Rosa began, a smile appearing on her face. "It's a lovely evening, isn't it. I love how the breeze just slaps in the most delightful way. Wouldn't you say so?"
