The call connected, and before Annabelle could say a word, Leona's voice came rushing through the receiver. "Annabelle, where are you?"
The anxiety in his voice was clear.
Annabelle pressed her lips together, gazing through the window at the cute plush toys inside. A cheerful, pink "Peppa" seemed to be looking right back at her, smiling happily.
Annabelle stared back at it, silent.
When she didn't respond, Leona was startled. He shot up from the sofa and asked urgently, "Hey, Annabelle? Annabelle? Are you listening? Say something if you can hear me!"
'She'd been out since two this afternoon and still wasn't back. He was getting really worried.'
"Mm."
After a long moment, she finally responded, her gaze unfocused as she stared at the glass.
But her eyes slowly welled up with tears.
Annabelle's emotions were always complicated.
Most people's sadness and despair stemmed from major difficulties or setbacks, but not hers.
