maheydaisy

 My phone rang while I was tying my shoes. I was already late. Annoyed. Busy with life. An unknown number flashed on the screen. Most days, I don’t answer unknown calls. Spam. Sales. Meaningless noise. I watched it ring. Then it stopped. I exhaled in relief. But seconds later — it rang again. Something inside me paused. I picked up the call. “Hello?” I said, impatiently. There was silence at first. Then slow, uneven breathing. And then a voice I hadn’t heard in years. “It’s me.” My heart sank. We hadn’t spoken in three years. Not after the argument. Not after the words that broke something permanent. “I just wanted to hear your voice,” the voice said softly. I leaned against the wall. So many emotions rushed through me — anger, pride, regret. But I said nothing. Silence grew heavy between us. “I won’t keep you long,” the voice continued. “I know you’re busy. I just didn’t want today to pass without calling.” “Why today?” I asked. A pause. “It’s my bir...