Rafael slid into the car, placed the box safely in the console, and started the engine. The radio hummed with a soft tune, but Rafael didn't need it. He was humming already, tapping the steering wheel, smiling so wide it almost hurt.
The day was perfect. The moment was close. And he couldn't wait to see the look in her eyes when he asked her the most important question of his life.
The traffic light turned red at the T-junction. Rafael eased the car to a stop, humming softly, his heart still dancing with anticipation. He reached over, opened the small velvet box once more, and smiled. The ring caught the afternoon light perfectly—just as he'd imagined it would when he slipped it onto Mara's finger.
He was so close now. Just one more turn, just one more mile, and he'd be home with her.
Then he heard it.
A shrieking metallic sound tore through the air. Tires screaming. Horns blaring. Chaos.
He looked up—his smile fading instantly.
