As I pressed the call button, my palms were already sweating, my heart pounding with an intensity that bordered on unbearable.
I knew there was a good chance her phone would be off, but I couldn't fathom why.
The few seconds between dialing and the inevitable dead tone felt like a century to me.
"Beep..." To my surprise, Betty's phone wasn't off; it actually rang.
I was using a phone provided by the security personnel around me, a phone that dialed out from a hidden number, leaving no trace of its origin.
"Beep..."
"Beep..."
"Beep..."
My anxiety peaked.
It had been three years; was this still Betty's number?
"Hello... hi..." After three rings, the call connected, and though her voice had changed, worn by time, I immediately recognized it as Betty's.
It lacked its former melodious charm, replaced by a timbre that spoke of hardships endured.
"Hello... who is this?"