CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY – GOING INTO EXILE

The night air was thick with tension as Jasmine Cesaro paced the floor of her bedroom. The events of the past few days played on repeat in her mind, each recollection bringing a fresh wave of anxiety. She paused at the window, her eyes scanning the dimly lit streets of Albuquerque. Marco entered the room, his face etched with concern. "Jasmine, mi amor, you need to rest." She turned to face him, her voice barely above a whisper. "How can I, Marco? Every time I close my eyes, I see his face. I see..." "Shh," Marco soothed, wrapping his arms around her. "It was an accident. You were defending yourself." Jasmine leaned into his embrace, drawing comfort from his warmth. "But the consequences, Marco. What's happening out there... it's because of me." As if on cue, the distant sound of sirens pierced the night air. Marco's body tensed, and he instinctively pulled Jasmine away from the window. "It's getting worse, isn't it?" Jasmine asked, though she already knew the answer. Marco nodd