the rain had not yet fallen. The sky was heavy, the sea breeze carried the smell of metal and salt dust, as if the world was holding its breath waiting for something to explode. Eric stood on the balcony of his small rented room, a cigarette in his hand burning slowly.
The smoke rose slowly, disappearing into the thick night air. He was used to silence but that night was different. Too quiet, too empty. On the desk behind him, files were open. Pictures, reports, names he had memorized one by one.
D.C.
Eric took a slow breath, looking far away towards the city. Neon lights bounced off the wet streets, people walked without realizing their world was surrounded by secrets and unseen dangers. He knew the first step was always the hardest. Once he started, there was no turning back. The phone in his pocket vibrated a simple message appeared on the screen.
"Assignment confirmed. Target secured."
Eric stubbed out his cigarette on the edge of the rusty iron, looking at the rain that began to fall drop by drop. For some reason, he felt that night was the beginning of something that wouldn't end easily. He didn't know what name would remain in his life after this, but for reasons he didn't understand, he hoped the rain wouldn't stop soon. Because deep down, he knew
when the storm came, he might not be the same person.