Chapter 36

• The crunch of gravel under my feet seems unnaturally loud as I step out of the car, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the quiet suburban street. A knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach.
• I turn back to the driver's seat, giving Julio a small smile. His eyes, dark with worry, meet mine as I close the car door. The golden light should make this neighborhood feel warm and inviting, but instead, it only heightens the sense of unease gnawing at me.
• This morning's conversation with Rafael replays in my mind. When he told me I'd be coming here with Julio to check on Carla, I nearly protested. Julio's recent confession about his obsession with her still set off alarm bells in my head. But one look into Rafael's concerned eyes had silenced my objections. I understood then - Julio was coming because his worry for Carla was genuine, perhaps even necessary for what we might find.