The lady on the other end, let out a soft, embarrassed laugh.
"…You remember that?"
"How could I forget?" West replied. "You made it sound like I was about to receive treasure."
She let out a lighter laughter this time before responding.
"…I'm sorry I haven't come yet."
Her tone suddenly turned heavier.
"It's just been…" she trailed off. "…a lot."
West's expression softened slightly.
"Work?" he questioned.
"…Work, yeah. And…" she hesitated. "…him."
West instantly understood that she meant her fiancé. Without interrupting, he let her continue.
"It's harder than I thought it would be. Taking care of him. Managing everything. Smiling at clients like nothing's wrong…"
Her voice cracked slightly.
"…I didn't expect it to feel this… lonely."
West sat up a little at this point.
"…You don't have anyone helping?"
"Not really," she admitted. "Friends check in sometimes but… it's not the same."
A brief pause ensued...
