"H-hello?"

Shit! I bit my lip because of stuttering.

"Meredith?! Finally, you answered my call! How are you? I was worried about you."

I gulped and sat slowly on the edge of the bed. I can feel my heart stumbling and falling as I think of a response.

"I'm sorry. I'm fine, Alessandra..." I merely whispered.

"Oh, I missed you. Gabriel said you didn't inform him about your sudden leave, but he got your text so, when will you be back?" she asked without a pause.

I held my forehead as I laid down my bed. I sighed heavily, "Yeah, I will be reporting on Monday. I'm sorry, there's an...