**Shawn**
I was just getting ready to go to bed when my phone rang. It threw me off since no one usually calls me at ten at night. Texts, sure, but a call?
I grabbed my phone and saw it was Lila. Instinctively, I felt something was wrong.
“Lila?” I answered.
I heard her take a deep breath before saying, “I’m sorry to bother you.”
“It’s fine. Are you okay?” I asked, sensing something was off.
Another deep breath. This was not good.
“I… um… can’t go to your party on Saturday,” she said quietly.
I was really confused. Lila sounded like she was on the verge of tears, and she was calling to tell me she couldn’t attend a party? It didn’t add up.
“What do you mean you can’t go? What’s going on? You sound like you’re about to cry,” I pressed.
“I’m fine… just wanted to let you know I can
