Renee listened to the man's voice and asked hesitantly, "Are... are you Brother Shawn?"
"It's me." The man chuckled. "Stella, I love your voice. It's so beautiful, so lovely to hear."
Renee: "..."
She fought the urge to roll her eyes, struggling to stay in character. "Brother Shawn, where are you?"
"Stella, do you really want to see your Brother Shawn?"
"I do." Renee's voice trembled slightly. "I want to see you. Didn't you say you would help ease my pain? I'm in so much pain right now..."
"Heh heh." The man chuckled again. "Stella, are you in a lot of pain right now? Don't worry. I said I would help you, and I never go back on my word."
He sat on a plush leather sofa, his legs crossed. In one hand he held his phone, and with the other, he toyed with a paring knife he'd bought from the supermarket, admiring its sharp glint.
Renee took a deep breath. "When?"
"Stella, do you want to see the ocean?"
