Embers Of The Night

As Mia drove through the bustling city streets, her heart began to race—not from the traffic, but from the chilling knowledge that a bomb had been planted in her car. The news had come through a frantic message on her phone, a warning from an anonymous source that sent her spiraling into a state of panic. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white as she fought to maintain control. With every red light, her dread deepened. She knew that the moment she stopped the car, the bomb would detonate. The thought of leaving her Lysander behind filled her with a profound sense of sorrow. They had so many plans, dreams of a future together that now felt impossibly distant. With trembling hands, she picked up her phone and dialed Lysander’s number. “Mi Amore?” Lysander’s voice came through, laced with concern. “What’s wrong?” Mia smiled sadly, he could always tell when something was bothering her and yet she was going to leave him. “Lysander , I need you to listen to me,” she said, her voice quivering. “ You’re a very great person. I never thought I would find this type of love. I only thought love like this was just a fairytale. But you….you….” Mia paused taking in a deep breath. “Anna? What’s happening? Is something wrong? You’re scaring me.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she turned her head towards the backseat where the bomb sat. How could she tell this to Lysander? She was going to die and leave him. She was going to leave him alone with the thoughts and dreams they shared. Silence hung heavy on the line, and Anna could almost hear the rapid beating of her heart. “I just found out…… I… I don’t have much time,” she choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, love. I won’t be able to see you again.” “Don’t say that! We’ll figure this out! Just tell me what’s happening? ” he urged, desperation creeping into his tone. “No, please, just listen. It’s too late now. I love you so much, and I want you to remember that. You’ve made my life so beautiful. I wish I could hold you one last time.” Her voice broke as she fought to keep her composure. “Anna, don’t—” “I have to go, Lysander . Just know that I’m always with you.” With that, she hung up, her heart shattering into a million pieces. She looked at the cliff ahead of her and stepped on the gas, the car racing towards the cliff. ************* In the heart of a bustling college town, twenty-year-old Anna Mia Harper is juggling classes, bills, and a growing sense of despair as an orphan navigating life on her own. Desperate for cash, she stumbles upon a peculiar job listing: a grave cleaner and companion for the dead at the local cemetery, promising a month’s rent for just one night of work. Excited by the prospect, Anna Mia arrives under the eerie glow of the moon, ready to face whatever the night may bring. But when she encounters a mysterious man lounging atop a tombstone—one who bears a striking resemblance to a deceased local legend—her heart races. Is he a ghost, a trick of the light, or something more sinister?