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I am relieved. I am terrified. I am exhilarated.
“You are still going to go through with it, aren’t you?” she asks.
“I have to.”
She swallows audibly, “Please be careful. Call me after.”
There will be no after. “Of course, Soph. Thank you for everything.”
“Of course. Text me and keep me updated so I know you are okay.”
I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Okay Soph.” And then I hang up. I am going to miss her.
The steamy tendrils of the shower embrace me as I step in, relishing the ritual of self-purification. The water cascades over me, washing away the ordinary worries of my life.
After my shower, I slip into a pair of sleek leggings, pulling on my trusty boots and a snug black hoodie. I gather my long hair, securing it in a no-nonsense ponytail. I study my reflection in the mirror, carefully examining the face that no longer feels entirely my own. It’s as if I’m looking at a stranger, a version of myself I’m about to leave behind.
My heart races as I reach for the weapon I’ve concealed in my jacket. I place it alongside my calling card, a chilling reminder of who I’ve become. The weight of my choices bears down on me as I stand there, ready to leave this life behind.
I take a final, lingering tour of my apartment. Every corner, every piece of furniture holds memories of a life I’ve decided to walk away from.
This is it. This is the end. I feel reborn.
I walk out of the door not even bothering to lock the door.
As soon as I step outside, I expect a rush of fear and anxiety to override me, but instead, I am just relived.
I am not a religious person, I have no idea if I will be able to ever see my mother again, but if I don’t, I hope that she knows that I avenged her. That I did what I was able to do to make sure they paid.
It only took twenty-six years, but I finally did it.
Then I get into my driver’s seat and take off in the direction of the abandoned building. It is time for Moreno and I to come face to face once and for all.
The drive is calming, relaxing. It is a unique situation, now that I think about it. I get to see the last day of my life. I get to appreciate all that I am going to be leaving behind.
* * *
I arrive at the designated place fifteen minutes before he is supposed to arrive. There are no other vehicles around so I can’t really tell if Moreno is already here or not. It would be a damn shame if I willingly and knowingly walked into a trap and got murdered before I could kill the guy.
I take a deep fortifying breath as I turn off my car’s engine. Then, not wanting Sophie to worry too much, I shoot her a text to tell her that I got here okay. There are a bunch of missed calls that I ignore. I would never admit it but I am almost a little scared that the guilt of leaving her could get through to me and make me hesitate. It’s not something I can afford.
I check my surroundings through my car mirrors before I unbuckle myself and get out of the driver’s seat.
I am ready.
I step out into the desolate, gravel-filled surroundings of the abandoned warehouse, feeling the charged atmosphere prickling against my skin. The air carries a hint of danger, thick with an almost metallic taste that lingers on my tongue—I recognize it as the rush of adrenaline, a familiar sensation before a dangerous encounter.
I brace myself, ready for whatever may come.
With cautious steps, I approach the looming building, hoping my gut instinct about this being a trap is wrong. I can’t help but worry if snipers are lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. My eyes sweep the area, searching for any signs of movement, any indications of life amidst the desolation.
The warehouse stands like a fortress, its walls adorned with graffiti, an eerie echo bouncing off the decaying structure. The silence is deafening, amplifying the sound of my own heartbeat as it quickens with anticipation. Gripping the gun firmly, my finger hovers close to the trigger, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Every nerve in my body is on high alert, senses heightened as I meticulously scan every corner, every nook and cranny, looking for any potential threats.
I don’t know what I really expect to find. My every footstep echoes through the abandoned warehouse.
The silence is unnerving, and it’s making me paranoid. I’m on my guard, ready to react to any sign of danger. But in this silence, I can’t shake the feeling that someone’s eyes are observing my every move.
