Tooddd... Tooddd... The phone rang several times, each shrill sound amplifying the tension in the room, but there was no response. I stared at the screen, my hopes pinned on the small chance that someone would answer this time. When the call finally timed out, a wave of frustration washed over me. I hesitated for a second before hitting redial, the same creeping worry gnawing at my insides. This time, I held the phone tighter, almost as if willing it to connect would make the difference. The call went through, the ringing persisted, but again, no answer.
It was unlike Richard not to pick up. He wasn’t one to ignore calls, especially from me. I’d usually hear his deep voice, calm and collected, within seconds. But now, nothing. My thumb hovered over the dial button again, but I stopped mys
