The soft hum of the television filled the quiet apartment as you adjusted the hem of your dress, waiting for your boyfriend to arrive. He had texted you just minutes ago—On my way, love. Can’t wait to see you. A smile played on your lips as you glanced at the clock, excitement bubbling in your chest.

You turned your attention back to the news broadcast, barely paying attention—until a breaking news banner flashed across the screen.

“A tragic accident occurred just moments ago on Willow Avenue. A black sedan collided with a truck after reportedly running a red light. The victim has been rushed to St. Vincent’s Hospital—”

Your breath caught in your throat. Black sedan. The same color and model as Elias’s car. Your stomach twisted as the screen showed a shaky video of the scene—a mangled car, its windshield shattered, its side crumpled like paper. And on the ground near the wreckage…

White lilies.

Your favorite flowers.

Your heart pounded violently against your ribs as the news anchor spoke again.

“The victim has been identified as Elias Carter, age 26—”

The world tilted. The phone slipped from your hands, the blood drained from your face. No. No, no, no. This wasn’t happening.

Before you even realized it, you were already grabbing your keys, your legs moving on instinct. The next thing you knew, you were rushing into the hospital, barely able to form words as you gasped out his name at the reception desk.

Please. Let him be okay.