The Call
I sigh, rolling out of bed as I do every morning. I stretch my tired limbs and the bones pop and crack with each movement as I take a moment to breathe in the dark of my room as I sit on the edge of the bed. Wiping a hand over my face, I yawn before standing up and trundling to the bathroom to start the day. The morning is quiet as I amble through the house, moving to the kitchen after washing my face and brushing my teeth to make myself a coffee. Before I can grab a mug from the cupboard, the shrill ring of my phone pierces the air. I grab it and groggily reply, “Hello?”
“Hey, do you have a minute?” It’s Reese. I recognize their voice, although the usual vibrant tone is gone and replaced with a shaky, somber timbre. Knowing something is amiss, I run a hand through the jungle that is my hair as I reply.
“Of course, Ray. Did something happen?” A few seconds pass, the once peaceful silence of my dark home becoming heavy with anxiety.
“They called and said Adrien died last night.” The words are strained as they pass into my ear and I let out a breath, my eyes squeezing shut. I feel sickness bubble up in my throat and my eyes open, darting to the window. It’s still dark outside and the twilight casts a blue tint over the street. I walk over and shut the curtain before leaning against the counter.
“Are you serious? What happened?” My hand finds its way to my hip as my grip tightens on the phone. I nibble on my lower lip.
“They said it was another hit.” I scoff out softly in disbelief, shaking my head.
“That’s the third one this month, isn’t it? God, this is bullshit.” I dig my heel into the floor, anger pulsing through me before I remind myself of Reese on the other line. I sigh and relax my tense shoulders. “How are you doing? I know how close you two were.”
“I’m managing. Comes with the territory, you know?” They let out a dry laugh. “God, it’s like the time he got shot, do you remember that?” I huff out a laugh.
“Yeah, that asshole was begging to get lit up the way he ran in there. I’m surprised he only got shot once.” Reese sighs lightly, humming into the phone as they reminisce.
“I guess he wasn’t so lucky this time around.” I tut softly at their words.
“It’s not really about luck, they’ve been at our throats for weeks now.” I pause before speaking again, debating with myself. “To be honest, I wanted to say I’m glad it wasn’t you but that isn’t very appropriate, is it?” I shake my head, bringing my hand to my mouth to bite the tip of my thumb. “I’m sorry. It’s just - I’m glad you’re okay.” Reese doesn’t reply immediately and we sit in silence, the soft noise of the phone call becoming deafening in my ear. I feel my cheeks heat up in shame for having said that.
“Well, I can say the same. Guess we should try to find solace somewhere, right?” I let my hand fall away from my mouth and push off the counter softly.
“Yeah, I guess so.” I mutter. I grab a mug and fill it with the warm coffee but don’t move to drink it. “I’m really sorry, Reese. Maybe it’s best if we see about staying with each other until this shit blows over.” My fingers tap against the cold marble next to my mug.
“I’ll make a call in a few hours. I’ll let you know what they say.” I sigh, waiting for them to continue.
“Hey, if you need anything, you’ll let me know, right?” I ask softly.
“Sure, Con. Just - I’ll see you later.” Before I can reply, the call ends. I hold the phone to my ear for a couple more seconds, staring out into my dark, empty home. I grit my teeth, throwing the phone to the floor before kicking the lower cabinet doors with the back of my heel as I yell out.