Black out

The following morning, the first light of dawn was just beginning to filter through the heavy curtains of Maria and Rene's room. The peaceful silence was abruptly shattered by loud, relentless banging on the door.

Rene, already half awake, gently turned to Maria, who had finally fallen asleep after a long, emotionally draining night of crying. She was curled up under the covers, her breathing even and calm. Not wanting to disturb her, Rene quietly got out of bed, wincing slightly as he stood. The noise continued, echoing through the room.

With a deep breath, Rene walked over to the door and carefully opened it. His groggy eyes were met with a sight that jolted him fully awake. Standing in the doorway was Josh Sullivan, his face a storm of fury.

Without a word of warning, Josh's fist shot out, connecting with Rene’s face in a brutal punch.

The force of the blow sent Rene staggering back into the room, a sharp pain exploding across his nose. He barely had time to register what had happ