Evelyn's phone vibrated again.
The sudden buzz sliced cleanly through the quiet room, tearing apart the fragile peace she had just managed to build.
She groaned softly into her pillow, her voice muffled by cotton and exhaustion.
"…Please, God. Don't let it be another family panic attack," she muttered.
With one tired hand, she dragged herself toward the bedside table and reached blindly for the phone. Her eyes were only half open when she grabbed it.
Then they widened fully.
Oscar.
Just like that, the last trace of sleep vanished.
Evelyn pushed herself upright against the headboard, brushing her hair away from her face as she answered the call.
"Oscar," she said dryly, "you called me at the perfect time. I was just about to slip into a sweet dream. Thank you, my dear friend."
Oscar laughed immediately, clearly recognizing her sarcasm.
"You're welcome," he replied without shame.
But the humor only lasted for half a second.
