The Call

Hayley watched the phone ring incessantly and for a moment before the sound ceased.

"Hello? Who is this?" She heard Emily's dulcet yet demanding tone over the phone.

Relief washed over Hayley. Her heart fluttered with gladness to hear her voice again after almost six years.

Trying to calm her nerves, Hayley replied. "Hello, Em... It's me," She hesitated, "Hayley. Hayley Forbes."

Silence followed. Hayley waited for her response, but two minutes ticked by with no answer.

"Emily? Are you still there?" Hayley asked, pulling the phone away from her ear to check if the call had disconnected.

"H- Hayley?" Emily stammered. The surprise in her voice was palpable. "You're alive?"

Hayley let out a scoff, her heart melting at the same time. "Yes, I am alive. How have you been?" She asked, sidestepping the reason behind her sudden call after five years.

"I can't believe this..." Emily's voice cracked. "You're alive, Hayley. And I had no idea. It's been six years. I thought you were dead. I've been