“He hung up on me.”

Natalie’s voice cracked slightly as disbelief flashed in her eyes.

Mrs. Tisdon paused for a moment, then quickly masked her unease with a comforting tone.

“It’s a weekday. He’s probably busy… maybe in a meeting.”

She gently patted her daughter’s arm, her voice soft but steady.

“Let’s not overthink it. We’ll ask the driver to pick us up first. You can meet him after work. But this time…” Her gaze sharpened. “You can’t be as ...