Chapter 8: Missed Moments
The alarm blared like it had a personal vendetta. Sharp, repetitive, louder than necessary.
Luca groaned and slapped at his phone. The noise paused—only for it to resume with vengeance five seconds later.
He cracked one eye open. "You’ve got to be kidding me."
This time he found the right button and silenced it for good. His arm flopped back to his side. Silence.
He stayed that way for a while.
By the time he rolled over again, the corner of his eye caught the clock. 8:32 AM.
Luca sat up halfway, back stiff from the narrow mattress. "Ugh. This bed is a joke." He rubbed his neck. "How does anyone sleep in this shoebox."
The room was quiet. Noel’s side of the room—books lined up neatly, lamp off, chair tucked in—already untouched.
"He’s gone," Luca muttered, yawning.
Another glance at his phone. Almost 9:00.
"Oh my god."