“Hello?” that familiar voice asked again.

“H-h…” my voice caught in my throat words stuck like glue. I swallowed again and again, trying to loosen the thick mess. My breath quickened and I opened and closed my mouth a few times.

“Hello, is anyone there?” he asked again.

“Umm… A-Ash?” I choked out.

“This is he. Who’s calling?”

“It’s Gen,” I managed without stuttering but I couldn’t say anything more.

“Gen… ...