Enzo's bruised body lay still on the gurney, his chest barely rising and falling with each shallow breath. The fluorescent lights above the emergency ward made little leeway in mercy, now shedding light on the chaos around him.Medical people buzzed around him, their faces set with urgency. His clothes, saturated with blood, were stuck to his frame; the antiseptic smell of the hospital filled his nose. The beeping of machines and mumbling of conversations blended into a din of sound.His gaze dropped to his entangled and twisted legs, contorted in ways they shouldn't be. Agony wracked through him like a wave, and he felt its tide threaten to reach over him and smother him. His head spun, and disjointed flashes of the accident replayed themselves in his mind.The doctors and nurses worked around him, running tests and building assessments. Enzo lay helpless as they moved his legs and checked their responses. His reality started to set in.Fear mounted, cold fingers clenching around hi
Dr. Michael's face had become solemn. "Miss Sera , he has been hit on the leg with a tree with great force; it hurt the veins that assist in walking."Sera 's voice caught in her throat. "Won't he ever be able to walk?" she repeated almost in a whisper.Dr. Michael nodded solemnly. "He won't be able to walk for a while."Sera 's eyes scoured the doctor's, seeking a timeline desperately. "Like how long, doctor?" she persisted.Dr. Michael took a moment to think first. "At least two weeks, possibly more."Sera 's face crumpled, and her eyes welled up with tears. The thought of Enzoconfined to a bed, unable to walk, was unbearable."Can I see him?" Sera asked, her voice shaking.Dr. Michael nodded sympathetically. "Yes, of course. Follow me."He led Sera to Enzo's ward; the smell of antiseptic hit her nostrils as she walked into the hospital. A soft hum of beeping machinery and muted conversations was heard in the background.As they approached Enzo's room, Sera 's heart raced with a
Sera said, "No, Enzo, I am not going to help you," her voice sure and concrete.Enzo's eyes begged of her, his face screwed in desperation as he pleaded, his voice cracking, "Please."Sera 's face did not yield, and she said, "Enzo, this evening you will be discharged. Get ready."She stood up and then gathered her bag, slipping it onto her shoulder."I have to leave now; I will be back this evening," said Sera with a disinterested tone.Anxiety overshot in Enzo's mind. Alone and dependent, he couldn't bear it."Sera , please do not leave me," implored Enzo with desperation in his voice.But Sera was cold: "I will be back," she said only, while walking toward the door.He tried to argue, but the words fell on deaf ears, like water poured onto a rock. Sera didn't flinch, didn't bat an eyelid.His eyes turned towards the clock, that was now counting hours until Sera was back. At the sound of his words, Sera sounded firm, "Enzo, I'm going to take permission at work for two weeks.
Enzostarted pacing around, his mind elsewhere. How was he going to confess his love to Sera ?As if he was gathering his confidence, the silence was abruptly cut by the buzzing of his phone.He reached for it, and tada-his heart chirped fast.A text message.Enzo's curiosity got the better of him, and he opened the message.The words dancing on the screen had the effect of sending a chill down his spine:"I KNOW WHO KILLED YOUR FAMILY."The world of Enzocrashed.Years of searching, years of questions, and finally, a lead.Tears streamed down his face as he slumped into his wheelchair.The weight of his family tragedy crushed him anew.In the next room, Sera heard Enzo's anguished cry.Concern etched on her features, she rushed to his room."Robert, what's wrong?" Sera asked for an alarm , lacing her voice.Enzo's body shook with sobs, his wheelchair trembling.Sera 's eyes went wide as she took in the scene."What's wrong?" she said out loud to herself, easing her way closer to E
Enzo Stood in a paralysis of confusion and horror wracking my brain. The house-that seemed to be radiating the warmth of laughter-lay in ruin.His family-his mother, father, and sister-were trapped inside. Panic overcame me, and he called frantically for my mother."Mom! Dad! Sarah!" He yelled at the top of my hoarse throat. But no answer came out, Enzo continued.The silence was deafening.And hours passed as his cries weakened.He had given in to exhaustion and despair.He sat on the ground, waiting for the fire extinguisher team to be done.Their faces looked solemn, engraved with sympathies.At last, they came out with body bags. Enzo heart sank.The first corpse they brought out was my dad.The only feature Enzo could recognize was the ring he always wore. It was blackened by soot now.Tears streamed down his face as he confirmed his identity.His mom and sister.they were unrecognizable.Their bodies had been reduced to ashes.The reality hit me like a tidal wave.He was alone no
Enzo and Sera looked at each other in shock-the unexpected response hanging in the air."The old warehouse?"Enzo's eyes asked a thousand questions, his mind racing."Do you know it?" he asked Sera, furrowing his brow.Sera nodded, a reflective look on her face."I know it," she said in a measured tone. Enzostill eyed her reassuringly."What are you thinking?" he asked in a low, controlled tone."Let's get some rest," she said, her voice soothing.She led Enzoto his bed, her hands soft, her touch comforting.As she slipped the duvet over him, his eyes met hers, shining with gratitude."Thanks, Sera," he whispered hoarsely.Sera's smile trembled, her eyes misting."You're safe now, Robert," she whispered.With one final look, Sera turned off the light and went to her room.The darkness swirled around Robert, but his brain wouldn't calm.Tomorrow, they will learn what transpired.To the murder of his family. To Zaden's betrayal.Answers were in that warehouse.Enzo's jaw hardened.He
Enzo's eyes did not leave Sera, as his face bleached white with fear.He felt a tide of guilt rush through him. Had he hurt Sera?Was this all his fault? Those words still rang in his ears from the masked man."You will know the truth soon enough."But at what cost?Rough handling from the gunmen cut the trance."Move!" one yelled, pulling on Sera's arm.Enzofelt his heart wrench. "Sera!" he shouted, tugging on his handcuffs.The masked man said nothing, staring forward.The gunmen pulled them deeper among the unknown.Enzo's wheelchair bumped over uneven terrain.Sera's terrified eyes met his. The presence of the masked man was almost forgotten."Keep moving," one of the gunmen growled. Enzo's mind started racing on.Where were they taking us? What did these men want?Threats escalated."Follow us, or you'll regret it," one gunman snarled.Sera's eyes implored him. The mask of the masked man glinted in the fading light.As darkness closed in, Enzohardened.He would protect Sera. Wh
"Are you ready to work together with us?" Enzoasked as he fixed his gaze into Shedrack's eyes."Yes, I am," Shedrack answered, his voice firm.Then Enzolooked at Sera."We need to think of a way out," Sera said."Since you can't run because of your legs," she added with concern in her voice.Enzobit his teeth.Then he moved his wheelchair next to Sera and Shedrack.He rapidly unstrung them from their tethers."Thanks, Robert," Sera whispered.Shedrack nodded gratefully."Now, do you know how to get out of here?" Enzoasked Shedrack."Yeah, I do," Shedrack replied."We have to be fast, before those guys return," he urged.Sera nodded."Robert, I'll wheel you while we go," she offered.But Enzoshocked everyone.He stood up.Sera's eyes went wide in astonishment."Robert, you can walk!" she exclaimed.Shedrack's mouth fell open."It's impossible," he stammered.Enzo's face twisted in a mix of pain and determination."I've been hiding my progress," he confided. "I didn't want our kidnapp
"Sera …." Marco shouted, his voice sprawling in that desolate space, but before it would spread further, Mr Tony sprang into action, covering Williams' mouth with his hand, right in the fraction of a second, as if expecting this danger that might be hiding behind every shadow."Do you know her?" Jessica asked in a weak voice with a very minute pitch, as if her experiences had drained her of all energies.Enzo's eyes softened, his lips curling into a soft smile, the seams of his features glowing bright with expression, as in low and measured tones, he replied, "Yes, I do know her; she is my girlfriend," the words tumbling into view amidst a mixture of affection and longing.His words were colored with pride and underlined just how deep the feeling was, but immediately was Mr Tony's rejoinder, his tone laced with skepticism: "I have never heard Sera say you guys are in a relationship," he said, his words hanging in the air, a challenge.Enzo's smile flickered for a moment; the defens
"I just heard the cry of someone," Jude whispered in a low, urgent voice to Enzo and Williams; wide-eyed and full of concern, as the faint sound seemed to reverberate deep within his chest."Let's trace the cry," Marco suggested, his voice barely above a whisper. His words hung in the air like a fragile thread as the trio nodded as one, their hearts pounding in anticipation.They moved with sluggish deliberateness, their tracing of the faint sound through the deserted warehouse; their footsteps echoed off the walls-the only sound that broke the oppressive silence.The cry grew louder, more desperate, leading them upstairs to the uncompleted second story-a labyrinth of exposed beams and dusty concrete that seemed to stretch on forever.They ascended to the top, just about bouncily, soft-hopping to avoid making much noise, their senses at height when they reached the top, where the outline of something shrouded in a black cloth met their gaze."What's this?" asked Tony, his finger point
He immediately sent one of his men, Timothy, to get the GPS from the office. His tone was high and commanding, showing how critical the situation was and how little time they had to act."Timothy, hurry up," said Marshall, looking right into his eyes to drive the point home of how serious the matter before them was and how little time there was to act."A'right, sir," Timothy said, firm and sure, without a quiver, as he immediately snatched up his keys and raced out the door to accomplish what he had to do in the most timely manner possible.Williams, Enzo, Tony, and Marshall were then left sitting anxiously waiting for the return of Timothy while consumed by thoughts of Sera and the search-each person lost in his own thoughts and fears about the outcome of such.Every passing minute felt like an eternity, each being taken further into a different endless void of uncertainty, unanswered questions, and anxiety that deepened the cut.The strong silence was filled with anticipation and
"Good morning," said Marshall and the rest, all smiles, their faces beaming with optimism and reassurance-a look that was quite soothing to Enzo's frayed nerves."Good morning," returned Enzowith appreciation in his tone as he welcomed the team into the house, hoping their skills finally gave him the answers he had so longed for over the disappearance of Sera ."It appears you have just woken up," interpreted Williams, brow furrowed with concern, eyes doing a scrutiny of Enzo's worn countenance."Yeah, your call woke me up," Enzo said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, still trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night."Ah, so sorry, sir," Marco apologized, looking contrite, his voice full of empathy.Enzo waved his hand in a dismissive manner, a gesture indicating appreciation for Williams' concern."No need to apologize, Marco," Enzosaid."We need to get started, and I'm glad you're here to help us find Sera ."Enzo's eyes did a sweep of the room, locking eyes with Marsha
Marshall's response was immediate."What's going on?" Marshall asked.Enzopaused, collecting his thoughts."Sera 's missing," Enzosaid.His voice was low."We can't find her anywhere."Marshall's tone turned alert."Tell me more," Marshall said.Enzobriefed Marshall on the situation.The Zoom meeting.Sera 's disappearance.The failed attempts to contact her.Marshall listened intently.His silence was reassuring.Enzoknew Marshall was already working on a plan.To find Sera .To bring her home safely.The wait began.For Marshall's next move.For news of Sera 's whereabouts."Marshall, please, it is so urgent," he told him, his voice thin and laced with the worry of desperation at the thought of Sera 's disappearance for a whole week weighing upon his mind."Marshall, we desperately need your expertise in tracking her down," Enzo added, his eyes begging for reassurance.Confidence and professionalism oozed from every pore as Marshall's expression became reassuring."Enzo, don't you b
Mr Tony checked his wristwatch for what must have been the hundredth time.Twenty minutes.He had been waiting for Enzo for for twenty very long minutes.The atmosphere in the coffee shop was starting to suffocate him.The freshly brewed aroma of coffee wafting out of the shop was now too much.Tony's gaze swept the car park. Finally, a ray of hope.Enzo's car came into view; Jude's tensed muscles relaxed a little."Ah, right on schedule," Tony said to himself.Marco, walking beside Enzo , was pointing."That's Mr Tony over there," Marco said, his hand jerking in Tony's direction.Enzo nodded, a serious look crossing his face.They got out of the car, their long shadows stretching out as they stepped out into the sun.They walked, the echo of their footsteps bouncing off the empty parking lot.Jude rose to greet them, a mask of concern etched into his face."Good day, Mr. Enzo," Tony greeted, extending a firm hand and giving a warm but strained smile.He turned to address Marco, cr
His voice came urgent as Tony said, "I'm saying Sera 's missing, Enzo. I've tried reaching out to her friends, but no one's seen or heard from her."Enzo's face turned grim.Missing?That word reverberated in his head.Where was Sera ?And why hadn't she called him?Enzo felt his anxiety shoot up. Was Sera in danger?"Do you know where she is, Enzo?" Mr Tony asked."I should be asking you where Sera is," said Robert, his voice accusing, his eyes raging with anger and concern."I mean, you guys were always going to restaurants together," Enzo said, his tone full of suspicion.Tony's face remained impassive, but his voice came forth resolute."Enzo, it is not the time to point accusatory fingers at anybody," Tony told him, his words slow and intentional."I'm not lying accusations on you for the fun of it," Enzo said, snapping, his frustration boiling over. "I just ask where Sera is because you were always taking pictures together." Tony looked very somber, with his eyes full of
There was complete silence at the other end, as if it stretched into infinity. Sera was clearly hesitant, and for a while, Enzofeared he'd lost her.But then, she spoke, her voice tentative. "Ok, Robert, if I'm lucky, I'll come."Enzo's face lit up with a bright, radiant smile, like the luckiest man in the world."Thank you, Sera !" Enzo exclaimed, overflowing with excitement.He dropped the call and found his mind racing with possibilities.He did not waste a single moment and rushed into the kitchen, his heart singing.He prepared croissants, ham, burgers, and steak to make the perfect dinner.Enzo was going through the recipe and doing each dish just right.Joy oozed out of every pore as he cooked.Sweat droplets dripped down his forehead, for the heat in the kitchen was getting hotter by his excitement.The hours have passed, and the smell of sizzling steak and freshly baked croissants filled in.Enzo's kitchen now turned into a haven.At last, dinner was ready.Enzo stepped ba
Every question and anxiety that was running in Enzo's mind seemed to be telling him that he couldn't believe this was not his life falling to pieces.Theophilus, realizing that Enzo was taken aback by what had happened, did not waste time and after a brief pause replied, "Sir, maybe you should take a break? You don't seem yourself."Enzo's gaze drifted towards the window, his eyes gazing out into the distance. "I'll be fine," he muttered, his voice barely audible.But Theophilus knew better. She had seen Enzo's downward spiral, and it worried her.The voice of Theophilus tore Enzo from his thoughts. "Excuse me, sir," she said as he was going, concern could be seen on her face.Enzo blinked back into life, attempting to shake off the fogginess that seemed to envelop him. "Yes, Theophilus?""Is anything wrong, sir? You seem preoccupied," Theophilus asked.Enzo forced a smile onto his face. "I'm alright, just a bit preoccupied."He looked down at his phone, willing Sera to respond