NINETY-FIVE

My ringing phone pulled me from the dream world. These days, I slept like a log throughout the night and sometimes into the afternoon. Most of the time, I woke up to Laura shaking me awake to eat breakfast. Sleeping was a welcome symptom after my loss of appetite and fire stunt.

“Hello?” My voice came out thick and tired as I clutched the phone upside down.

“Sihana,” a voice breathed from the other end of the phone. It was enough to wash away every lingering bit of sleep from my eye. “How are you?” The voice shook to my amazement.

“What do you want from me?” I growled into the receiver, turning the phone the right way. “Why are you calling me?” I demanded, irritation washing over me.

No matter how much time had passed, the effect of this voice was the same. Anger, hatred, and irritation washed over me at the same time.

“I – I just –“ He stuttered and then he sighed, “Is it wrong to call you now?” He had the audacity to ask such a question.

“Kade,” I growled, pushing out of bed.