My hands tremble as I dial the number

I’ve had memorized for years

and raise the phone to my ear

Ring

Please pick up, please pick up
Everything is going to be ok

Ring

The oxygen in the room dissipates
as my heart beats faster

Ring

This can’t be happening
There must have been something more I could’ve done

Ring

I close my eyes as a tear slips down my face
when I hear her familiar voice

“I’m sorry but if you are trying to reach me,
I am currently unavailable
Nothing you say will be able to stop me
You’re too late
I’m sorry”

“At the tone, please record your message
When you’ve finished recording,
you may hang up or press 1 for more options”

Beep