Chapter 13: The Call

“Hello?” that familiar voice asked again.

“H-h…” my voice caught in my throat words stuck like glue. I swallowed again and again, trying to loosen the thick mess. My breath quickened and I opened and closed my mouth a few times.

“Hello, is anyone there?” he asked again.

“Umm… A-Ash?” I choked out.

“This is he. Who’s calling?”

“It’s Gen,” I managed without stuttering but I couldn’t say anything more.

“Gen… Genevieve?” Ash gasped.

“Yes,” I said in a small, soft whisper.

“Oh, my Goddess! Where are you? Are you okay? Do you need help?” The flood of questions instantly crashed down on me like a thousand bricks.

“I’m okay. Ash, I’m… fine,” I said softly.

Ash sighed heavily. I could practically feel his relief through the phone. “Geez, Gen, it has been like five years. I thought I would have heard from you before now,” he said.