Forced Command

"Hello," my voice was raspy from just waking up.

"Why didn't you answer the phone?" Joy sounded like he noticed something in my voice, "Why were you crying?"

"No, I just woke up."

"If something's bothering you, just say it. If you have questions, you can ask." Joy's tone was stern despite his words.

I said nothing, feeling a lump in my throat, a sense of grievance.

He was silent for a long time too, "Does hearing my voice not make you happy?"

"I'm afraid of saying something wrong again. After all, I'm quite stupid," my voice carried a hint of resentment.

He coldly snorted, seemingly dismissive of my words.

"You should reflect on yourself a bit. Aren't you stupid?" he mocked.

"Mr. Wilson, I'm a divorced woman, naturally a failure. You can find a young, beautiful, smart, and clever one..." I didn't get to finish before he hung up on me.