Chapter 4: Finally, I Found You!
Meanwhile, in a cruising taxi,
Mel, who had been lost in her thoughts, was jolted by the vibration of her cell phone. The screen displayed Anna’s name, but she was reluctant to answer. She took a deep sigh before she answered.
"Hello, Anna," Mel responded gently.
"Mel, where are you?" Anna’s voice on the other end brimmed with panic. "I’ve been looking for you everywhere... Please don’t tell me you left without informing me. Mel, are you there? Hello, hello, Mel..."
"I can hear you, Anna," Mel assured softly.
"Are you alright? Why didn’t you answer earlier if you heard me!?" Anna asks again, her tone shifting towards a maternal scolding.
A faint chuckle escaped Mel’s lips, her heart warmed by Anna’s genuine care. Only a select few consistently displayed such concern for her, and Anna ranked high among them as her best friend.
"How could I respond when you kept talking?" Mel gently retorted.
Anna detected an unusual sound in Mel’s voice, worrying her. She moved to a quieter spot outside before speaking, "Young Lady, are you sure you’re okay? Don’t lie to me. I can sense it if you’re not being honest. Why did you suddenly leave?"
’Why is Anna sounding like my grandmother now?’ Mel thought while trying to hold her laughter.
"Relax, Anna. I’m alright. I’m on my way home now. I have unexpected work I need to attend to," Mel lied, "I’m sorry for leaving without telling you. It was urgent."