XXXXIV. What lay ahead

TIME IS TICKING.

Suddenly, Mirasol and my father, whom we had left behind in the house, flashed into my mind. My hands trembled as I clutched the piece of paper, collapsing onto the floor in a daze. I heard the door open, but I was too lost in my thoughts to see who it was. My mind had completely consumed me.

"Kaesu! What's happening to you?" I felt Uncle Luis shake my shoulders, and I slowly turned to face him, my expression lifeless.

"My father, Uncle... we have to save him."

"What happened this time?" I could hear the concern in Uncle Luis' voice, but I could also see the exhaustion in his eyes.

"My father..." I murmured absentmindedly, barely aware of my own response.

Uncle Luis sighed and let me rest, knowing I needed to think clearly. He didn't force me to speak any further. Instead, he helped me sit down and handed me a glass of water.

A while later, Antonio woke up and asked what was going on, but Uncle Luis told him to rest and regain his strength first. We would need it.

At some point, I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes, it was already nighttime. I glanced around and realized that Uncle Luis was nowhere to be seen, while Antonio was still fast asleep. I let out a quiet breath of relief.

A sudden knock on the door startled me, but thankfully, it was just Alex.

"How are you, Kaesu? And how's Antonio?" he asked as he entered.

"He's doing better."

"And you? Are you okay? You seem pale," he said with concern.

"I'm fine. How was your day?"

Alex sighed. "I couldn't find Lara at school, and I'm really worried. I went to her house, but they refused to let me see her. I want to believe they just locked her inside, but... what if something happened to her?"

He had a point, and his worry started rubbing off on me. Now, I was anxious about Lara, too.

When Uncle Luis returned, he told us to go home and rest. We didn't argue—none of us wanted to add to his worries.

The moment I got home, I collapsed onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling.

How are Papa and Mirasol doing? I hope Amy isn't torturing them. If she's done anything to hurt them, I swear I'll never forgive her.

Two days had passed, and Antonio was finally discharged from the hospital. His wounds were healing, and so were mine. Now, we were gathered at Uncle Luis' house, discussing our next move.

"What exactly is the plan, Uncle? Are we just going to storm in?" I asked, confused. I didn't know how to use weapons, I wasn't violent, and on top of that, we were outnumbered by Amy's people.

Uncle Luis stroked his beard, deep in thought. "I'm going to try talking to Amy first. See if there's anything we can gain from it—find out what she really wants."

"All she wants is the company," I scoffed. "She's already killed for money. She won't stop now."

Antonio placed a hand on my shoulder, silently urging me to calm down.

Uncle Luis looked at us firmly. "Then come with me."

We exchanged glances but followed him without question.

He led us to his basement, and when he unlocked the door, we were met with a sight that left us speechless.

Weapons. All kinds of them. Knives, machetes, and a collection of firearms.

I turned to Antonio, who was eyeing a small handgun with intense focus.

"Take whatever you think you'll need for our mission," Uncle Luis said, making my jaw drop.

Take what? I don't even know how to use any of these!

I scratched my head, unsure of what to do, when Antonio suddenly tapped my shoulder. I raised an eyebrow at him.

He handed me a knife.

I frowned. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

"Stab yourself if you want," he teased, his smirk infuriating.

I glared at him. "How about I stab you first?"

Rolling my eyes, I turned my back on him, deciding not to waste my energy.

Uncle Luis excused himself to make further preparations, leaving Antonio and me alone. As I continued contemplating what weapon to take, I suddenly felt arms wrap around me from behind.

I stiffened.

His scent was intoxicatingly fresh, and his breath was warm against my shoulder. He leaned in closer until his face was level with mine.

"A-Anthony... what are you doing?"

A playful smile curled on his lips. "You don't have much of a choice. Out of all of Uncle's weapons, this is the only one you can actually handle."

Annoyed, I elbowed him, forcing him to step back. Taking a deep breath, I pressed my hand against my chest.

What is this? Why is my heart racing? Get a grip, Kaesu.

Secretly, I pounded my fist against my chest, only to be caught off guard when Antonio grabbed my hands and turned me to face him. Gently, he placed the knife in my palms, his touch lingering.

Then, he cupped my face.

"Promise me you'll be careful," he said seriously. "We'll go in together, and we'll come out alive. Do you understand?"

His intense gaze made my breath hitch.

Without thinking, I nodded, completely captivated by the man in front of me.

Aish! What am I even thinking? Stop it, Kaesu!

Before I could dwell on it further, Uncle Luis called for us.

Straightening ourselves, we climbed back upstairs, preparing for what lay ahead.

We got into Uncle Luis' car, and after checking that everything was ready, he started the engine. 

As we drove, I couldn't hide the worry, fear, and anxiety written all over my face. My heart pounded in my chest, my thoughts running wild with what was about to happen. 

Then, suddenly, I felt Antonio's hand slip into mine.

I looked at him, and he gave me a reassuring smile. Letting out a deep breath, I tried to calm myself. His grip on my hand tightened, as if silently telling me, It's okay. I'm here.

That simple gesture steadied me. I straightened my posture and forced myself to relax.

When we arrived at our destination, Uncle Luis parked the car in a hidden spot, away from prying eyes.

So I guess this is it?