At first, it was a light drizzle, barely noticeable. But within moments, the sky opened up, rain pouring down in sheets, drenching everything in seconds. The cold water soaked through my clothes, clung to my skin, and still, I felt nothing compared to the storm breaking inside me.
I could barely hold myself together.
My vision blurred, whether from the rain or the tears I couldn't stop, I didn't know.
Distracted. Overwhelmed. Hollow.
I ran a red light.
The truck came out of nowhere.
There was a deafening crash as it slammed into the side of my car, the force of the impact sending everything spinning. Metal crumpled. Glass shattered. The world tilted violently before coming to a sudden, crushing stop.
For a moment, there was nothing but ringing silence.
Then the pain hit.
Sharp. Blinding.
I was trapped inside the wreck, the door crushed inward, my body pinned awkwardly against the seat. I tried to move, but even the smallest motion sent waves of pain through me.
My fingers trembled as I fumbled for my phone.
Out of instinct, habit more than thought, I called Dante.
The line connected quickly.
"What is it?" His voice was cold, flat, devoid of concern.