55. Finally Found You

Ivy

"Ryder, I am serious! Someone keeps talking. Don't you hear it?" I say. I want to grab his shoulder and shake him because he is just looking at me and grinning like I am crazy.

"Ivy, just calm down," Ryder says.

"Don't tell me to calm down!" I roar.

"Jeez...sorry. Don't bite my head off. But let's just be quiet and listen. Maybe you can tell me what the voice sounds like?" Ryder suggests.

Ryder's tone finally registers, and I take a deep breath, attempting to regain control of my emotions. He's right; I shouldn't let frustration get the best of me. Maybe he can help me figure out what's going on.

"Okay," I say, my voice steadier now. "I'll try to focus and describe the voice to you."

I close my eyes, shutting out the distractions around me, and listen intently. Amidst the sounds of nature, I can faintly hear a soft, melodic whisper, like a gentle breeze rustling through leaves.

"It's a soft voice," I begin. "Almost like a whisper. It sounds...familiar, but I can't quite place it."