The afternoon sunlight spilled through the blinds of Aniela’s room, casting thin golden stripes across the floor. She had just finished tidying up her small desk, the smell of fresh coffee still lingering from the cup she’d set aside moments ago.
Her phone buzzed on the table, vibrating against the wood. She picked it up automatically, assuming it was one of her friends. But when she saw the name—or rather, when she realized she didn’t recognize the number—her heart skipped a beat.
“Yes… Aniela speaking. Who is this?” Her voice was cautious, polite, yet tinged with curiosity.
“Hi… you may not know me,” a soft voice replied on the other end. That voice… it’s familiar. She leaned back in her chair, frowning slightly.
“I… I’m listening. Who is this?” She tried to mask the flutter of nerve
