The store

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as I groggily reached for my buzzing phone on the nightstand. Cecil's name flashed on the screen, and I answered after yawning and wiping the drool off my chin.

“Ana, it's Cecil,” Her voice crackled through the line. “Just wanted to let you know that the people have started bringing in the equipment for the store. Elizabeth and Jennie are already here, ready to get things set up.”

I pulled the phone away from my ear to check the time.

7:56

I placed the phone back on my ear.

“Thanks for the heads up, Cecil. I'll be there shortly.” My voice was groggy and she must have known because she asked me to take a quick bath and be there.

After hanging up, I dragged myself out of bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over me like a heavy blanket. The events of the previous night had left me drained both physically and emotionally, but there was no time to dwell on it now.

In the bathroom, I stared at