Matt sat in the living room of Alice’s house, nervously tapping his foot against the hardwood floor. He held Alice’s phone in his trembling hand, his eyes fixed on the screen as the call connected. Emily’s number flashed across it. Matt’s heart pounded as the first ring echoed through the quiet room. Then the second. And the third.
Alice sat across from him, her arms crossed. "Matt, let it go. She’s not going to answer."
But Matt shook his head. "One more time. She has to pick it up."
Alice sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you."
He hit the redial button. This time, to his surprise, Emily picked up. Her voice came through, sharp and wary.
"Alice?" Emily asked.
Matt’s throat tightened. He had missed that voice. "Emily… it’s me."
There was a long pa
