The first light of dawn gently filtered through the curtains, casting pale shadows across Martin's modest apartment. It was early, the city outside still wrapped in silence, save for the soft hum of the waking world. Martin sat at the kitchen table, his hands wrapped around a warm mug of coffee, the steam curling upwards in delicate tendrils. His eyes, however, were unfocused, staring off into the quiet of the morning.
He had woken early, his mind already in motion even before his feet hit the floor. It wasn't uncommon for him to rise with the sun—he liked the stillness of the morning, the way the world seemed to hold its breath before the chaos of the day began. The visit to his godparents weighed heavily on his mind. Geraldo and Elena—his godfather and godmother—had been a constant in his life since childhood.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of shuffling footsteps, followed by a muffled sigh. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The familiar sound of Carlos—his childhood friend, roommate, and partner in mischief—was unmistakable.
Carlos had always been an early riser, but today, as he stepped into the kitchen, Martin noticed the crisp white lab coat that had already been pulled over his shirt. Carlos was already dressed for work, ready to apply at the San Pedro hospital.
"Morning," Carlos said, his voice still thick with sleep but laced with the kind of energy that only a few hours of rest could grant him. He walked to the counter, dropping his keys and grabbing a glass of water. His eyes found Martin, and there was an almost knowing look in them. "You're up early. Something on your mind?"
Martin glanced up from his coffee, meeting his friend's gaze. They'd known each other for as long as he could remember—since they were kids, running around the neighborhood, getting into trouble, and sharing the kind of memories that only the closest friends could understand. Carlos had been there for him through everything, and vice versa. He was the kind of friend who knew when to push and when to hold back, always able to tell when something was wrong with Martin, even if he wasn't saying it out loud.