“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… Genevieve?" Ash gasped. “Yes," I said in a small, soft whisper. “Oh, my Goddess! Where are you? Are you okay? Do you need help?" The flood of questions instantly crashed down on me like a thousand bricks. “I'm okay. Ash, I'm… fine," I said softly. Ash sighed heavily. I could practically feel his relief through the phone. “Geez, Gen, it has been like five years. I thoug

