Leo stared at his phone screen, the missed call notification still glowing.
His hands trembled.
He didn't pick up.
But then he saw it a new message, appearing in real-time.
Alex:
I'm so sorry. I was in the shower. I missed your call by minutes.
Alex:
Please. Can we talk?
Leo's vision blurred. He wiped at his eyes quickly, then typed back before he could lose his nerve.
Leo:
Yes. Please.
The response came almost immediately.
Alex:
Can I call you now?
Leo:
Yes.
The phone rang three seconds later.
Leo answered on the first ring.
"Leo." Alex's voice came through rough, desperate, real.
"Hi," Leo whispered.
"Hi." There was a shaky exhale. "God, I—I'm so glad you called. I've been—"
"I'm sorry." The words tumbled out. "I'm so sorry, Alex. I shouldn't have shut you out like that. I just—I didn't know what to say, and everything was so complicated, and I—"
"Leo, stop. Breathe."
Leo stopped, taking a shaky breath.
