177: He's changed - Part 2

Anabella awoke feeling more rested than she had in days, the peaceful sleep a rare reprieve from the whirlwind of recent events. The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over her modest room.

She stretched, savoring the calm, only to notice James sitting by her bedside, clutching her phone, his face shadowed with worry.

"James?" Her voice was soft, gentle. "What's wrong?"

James didn't respond immediately. His small hands gripped the phone tightly, his knuckles whitening under the strain. 

He glanced up at her, his eyes filled with a storm of emotions—fear, uncertainty, longing. After a moment, he whispered, "I... I miss my dad. I want to call him, but I don't know if I should."