"My love..."
A sort of calmness settled in my belly just from hearing his voice, I didn't know when I gripped my chest and breathed out loudly.
"Ellen? Baby, are you there?" He now sounded worried and scared.
"Yes. I'm here, Ace."
He breathed out, "I was so worried when I couldn't reach you anymore. Where are you? Are you okay? Are you in trouble?"
"I'm fine. Really, I'm good," I said, glancing at Marissa. She smiled, picked up my empty cup with hers, and walked away.
"I was so scared."
"Oh baby, I'm so sorry. I'm truly sorry for everything, I should have done better. I should have searched harder; I should have done everything until I could no longer do anything. I'm sorry for not putting in enough effort and letting you suffer. I'm so sorry, Ellen."
"It's not your fault, stop b
