Axel was about to leave the room when he heard me exclaim and scream Erica's name into the phone. He turned back immediately.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I'm not sure," I said, staring at my phone in horror. "Erica just screamed, and then the line went dead. I think something's wrong."
"Don't jump to conclusions," Axel said calmly, though I could see the worry creeping into his eyes. "Try calling her again."
I dialled her number frantically. Once, twice, three times. Each time it went straight to voicemail, and my anxiety grew with every unanswered ring.
"She's not picking up," I said, my voice rising with panic. "Axel, I have to check on her. Something's definitely wrong."
"Alright," he said. "Let me grab my keys."
The drive to Erica's apartment felt endless. Even at top speed, it took us nearly half an hour to reach the other side of town. My hands were shaking as I kept trying her number, willing her to answer.
