Camilla sat on the couch, her phone clutched tightly in her trembling hands. She had called him five times. Five times, and each time it had rung out before going to voicemail. She tried again, biting her lip as she listened to the dial tone.
Nothing.
Her chest ached, but she refused to cry again. She knew he was hurting, knew he was struggling, but the way he had shut her out left her feeling hollow. When her phone buzzed, she jumped, her heart leaping with hope—only to see an unfamiliar number.
"Hello?" she answered hesitantly.
"Camilla, sweetheart, it's me." Ethan's mother, Melissa.
Camilla exhaled sharply, relief flooding her. "Is he with you? Is he okay?" Her voice cracked.
Melissa sighed. "He’s safe, honey. He came here last night. He won’t talk about what happened, but I know
