~Linda~
My heart leaped into my throat as a hand snaked around my waist from behind, gripping me tightly. I tried to pull away, but his hold was firm, unyielding. His hot breath brushed against my cheek, sending a wave of disgust through me. I turned my face to the side, refusing to meet his gaze, as he bent forward, brushing his lips against my neck. He smirked, his grip loosening as if amused by my resistance before he finally let go.

A mocking chorus of voices surrounded me as the men formed a circle, their eyes scanning me with lecherous intent. They began to sing *Nyansh na Nyansh* by Chella, each word punctuating their vile stares. My skin crawled under their gaze, and I felt bile rise in my throat. My eyes darted to Julius, lying motionless on the ground. I pleaded, desperate to draw their attention away from me.

"Please… take him to the hospital," I begged, my voice shaking as I interrupted their song.

They glanced at him, and then one of them kicked Julius's limp body. My heart shattered as they laughed, but I saw an opening. Without thinking, I turned and bolted, my legs pumping furiously as I ran. The morning air whipped against my face, but freedom was fleeting. Footsteps thundered behind me. *Run faster,* I screamed inside, but it was too late. They caught up, yanking me back.

"Useless!" I spat at myself, frustration and terror colliding.

One of them gagged me roughly, cutting off my scream. They threw me onto the back of a motorcycle, the engine roaring as they sped off into the broad daylight. Tears streamed down my face, my mind swirling with dread. *Who knows what they’ll do to me?* I thought, trembling as the bike tore through the road.

---

~Sam~
The hum of the plane engine faded as I blinked awake, rubbing my eyes. The air hostess smiled as she leaned over. “Sir, we’ve landed.”

I stretched, a yawn escaping as I gathered my things and stepped off the plane. California—finally. A place filled with so many memories, both good and bittersweet. As I exited the terminal, my heart lightened at the sight of my grandparents standing in the distance, smiling as they waved.

"Good day, Grandpa. Good day, Grandma," I greeted, grinning as I approached.

"You two look younger than ever," I added with a wink.

Grandma chuckled, nudging Grandpa. "That’s because we’ve had a break from you, Sam!" she teased.

I smirked, shaking my head as we climbed into the car waiting for us. The drive home felt surreal. Every street and every landmark brought a flood of memories—nostalgia tugging at my chest. When we finally pulled up to the house, I breathed deeply, soaking it all in.

"Back home," I murmured, stepping inside.

It was just like I remembered, except for a few small changes in the arrangement. I rushed to my room, the familiar scent of home washing over me. Tossing my bags aside, I flopped onto the bed, sinking into the comfort I’d missed so much. My fingers drifted to the drawer beside me, rummaging through old things until something slipped out and fluttered to the floor.

A letter.

I froze, staring at it. Grandma had mentioned Bliss sending a letter before… but I had been too caught up in life to read it then. My chest tightened as I picked it up, unfolding it slowly.

*Dear Sam, I'm sorry for how I behaved yesterday. I love you. 
It wasn’t my plan to leave you, but it was for the best. By the time you read this, I may already be gone. 
I’ve been living with Progeria, and I can feel that my time is nearing its end. 
I'm sorry if this breaks your heart… 
Bliss 💝❤️‍🔥*

The words blurred as my eyes filled with tears. I stumbled backward, collapsing onto the bed. *Bliss…* I whispered her name, my heart shattering into pieces. All this time, I thought she had left me. I never knew she was suffering, that her life was slipping away while I was out there living, without a care.

"I was here, flexing with Linda, completely clueless..." My voice broke, and the weight of my guilt bore down on me. I clenched the letter, the memories of Bliss flooding back—her laughter, her kindness, the way she smiled even when things were tough. Why? Why did the world take someone so good, so pure?

I wiped my eyes roughly. Now wasn’t the time to wallow. I had to be strong. I had to find a way to make things right. Tomorrow, I’d set out for the Hugghs Mansion. I would rescue my friends, no matter what it took.

Suddenly, I remembered Julius, Linda, and my parents. I grabbed my phone and dialed home, letting my parents know I had arrived safely. But when I tried Julius, he didn’t answer. I tried again—still nothing.

"Maybe he's busy," I muttered, putting the phone away. I wouldn't bother him again for now.

---

The next morning, I was startled awake by the buzzing of my phone. Julie. Her voice cracked with sobs on the other end.

"Julie, what’s going on?" I asked, sitting up, a knot forming in my stomach.

"Charles… he’s in a coma." She broke down, her words coming in gasps. "And his dad… his dad won’t let me see him!"

I gripped the phone tightly. "Stay calm, Julie. Where are you?"

"Life Specialist Hospital… California."

My pulse quickened. I promised her I’d be there soon, hung up, and hurried to get dressed. The day stretched out in front of me, heavy with dread. Deep down, I knew this was just the beginning. Things weren’t going to be easy from here on out. But I couldn’t sit back and wait. I had to act—and fast.

---