Sighing, I responded, "Yeah, you're right, bro. Anyways, go home and convince your old man, like the loan officer said."
"Okay," they both split from my path, heading toward their homes.
As the trio disbanded, I continued my ascent up the hill to my block, but this time, solitude was my companion. Engrossed in scrolling through TikTok on my phone while walking, the videos suddenly ceased, giving way to a screen indicating an incoming call.
The number was unregistered in my contacts, yet it struck a chord of familiarity. Puzzled, I pondered over the caller's identity, eventually relinquishing the mental pursuit and answering the phone with a nonchalant "Yeah?"
"Hello, Mr. Berry. I am calling from the Trbovlje drug rehabilitation center. As per our agreement a month ago, we promised to notify you once the patients were ready to be released, and today is that day. It's scheduled for simultaneous release at 5 PM upon your request and their approval."