—Mabel—

“Go on. Answer it!” I urged, half-smiling, half-curious.

Her fingers trembled as she swiped to pick up. “H-Hello?”

There was a pause. Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes shimmered as she listened.

“I thought you weren't going to call...” Her voice broke.

I leaned forward, anxious.

I could hear his voice at the other end, low and tender. It softened every inch of her in ways I'd never seen before.

“Yes, l understand,” she continued and wiped her eyes.

Another ...