Chapter 1: Opening Image
Alex threw his keys onto the kitchen counter with a clatter that echoed through the empty apartment. He kicked off his shoes, leaving them scattered by the door, and flopped onto the worn leather couch, stretching his long legs out in front of him. The apartment was silent, save for the distant hum of the refrigerator and the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. It was the kind of quiet that usually brought him comfort, but tonight, it felt oppressive, like the walls were closing in on him.
He glanced at the empty wine glass on the coffee table and sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.