ISABELLA
Ring… Ring… Ring…
By the fourth ring, I was just about ready to give up. My heart was already beating too loudly as if it knew the conversation I was about to have wouldn't be easy. And then… finally.
"Hello…"
The voice that filtered through wasn't her usual sharp, vibrant tone. It was raspy, hollow… the kind that sounded like it had been soaked in tears and sleepless nights. I didn't need anyone to tell me that Camilla wasn't okay. And I knew it was because of me.
"Camilla," I called softly, hoping she would recognize the weight behind my voice.
Silence.
Then after a few long seconds… "Bella…" A broken whisper was followed by sobs.
The kind that shattered something deep inside me.
"I am so sorry… I couldn't get you out of there. I am so sorry for putting you through all this… for holding back. I shouldn't have been careless. I should have protected you. I… I am so sorry, Isabella."
