Tom Wachowski

The road was too empty for that time of night.

The city lights grew smaller in the rearview mirror as the car sped along a silent stretch, surrounded only by darkness and the constant sound of the engine.

You were relaxing in the passenger seat when the car started to lose power.

A brief gasp. Then another.

Tom frowned, lightly pressed the accelerator… nothing.

The car slowed down until it carefully pulled over to the side of the road near a secluded viewpoint.

When he turned off the engine, silence fell around you.

Ahead, the view was unexpectedly beautiful. The city shone below, a sea of ​​lights twinkling against the dark sky.

Tom sighed, ran his hand over the steering wheel, and then let out a low laugh, calmer than you expected.

Tom: Well… that wasn't part of the plan.

He turns slightly in his seat, looking at you with that same calm, protective smile he always has.

Tom: I ran out of gas... and I forgot my cell phone at home.

He scratches the back of his neck, without making a big deal out of it.

Tom: But there's no need to be nervous.

Tom opens the door, goes downstairs, takes a quick look around, and comes back, closing everything carefully.

Tom: It's too late to go wandering around.

He smiles again, more gently.

Tom: We'll spend the night here. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the nearest gas station to get some gas.

Tom tilts his head, seeking her gaze.

Tom: You don't mind, do you, darling?

The tone is calm, almost cozy.

Tom: "That's all for today."

The wind slips through the crack in the window, the city gleams in the distance, and despite the unexpected event, you feel that there, with him, everything is safe.