Junior slowly opened his eyes, groaning as his body screamed in pain, each muscle sore and tight. He winced and stretched his arms, trying to shake off the discomfort. The pain was sharp and sudden, causing him to let out a strangled gasp. "Ouch, my body hurts," he muttered to himself, holding his side as he pushed himself upright.
His eyes drifted toward the window, and the sight outside caught his attention. The sky was already dark, the last traces of daylight fading into the horizon. The soft orange and purple hues of the setting sun had disappeared, leaving the world shrouded in a soft, cool evening. Junior turned back toward the bed, where he expected to find Emma still fast asleep. However, the space next to him was empty.
"Emma?" he called softly, his voice barely a whisper as he turned his head toward the spot where she should have been. But the bed was cold, and the sheets were undisturbed. His brow furrowed in confusion.
