It was the kind of summer night that felt endless — not because it was grand or exciting, but because nothing was happening, and no one wanted to be the one to end it. The air in Ray’s garage was heavy with heat and laziness. Mosquitoes buzzed halfheartedly near the one open window, a fan hummed in the corner without helping much, and the whole place smelled like sweat, smoke, and cheap deodorant that had long since given up the fight.