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Hours blended into each other, my anxiety amplifying by the minute, and by the next morning, my restlessness reached its peak, and I couldn't bear it any longer. I needed answers, reassurance, anything that could help ease my troubled mind.

I reached for my phone, contemplating who to call, and decided to reach out to my mother. Maybe she would have some information or offer me some comfort during this trying time.

The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before my mother finally picked up. "Hello?" Her voice came through, devoid of any warmth or affection.

"Mom, it's me, Meghan," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, but it cracked with emotion. "I... I just wanted to talk, to see how you were doing."

There was a brief pause on the other end before my mother replied, "I'm fine. You don't need to bother me with your problems."

A pang of hurt shot through me at her cold response. I had hoped for some support or understanding, but it seemed that my mother's stoic demeanor remaine