His subconscious self-protection mechanism made Halueth very aware that this was not the time to contact him. But at the same time, he knew just how desperately he wanted to know Ethlando's situation.
After holding his phone for more than half an hour, when he was about to clock in at the company downstairs, Halueth couldn't resist calling Ethlando.
The phone rang mechanically for a long time until, finally, Halueth heard the familiar voice.
"I have some matters to attend to right now. I'll call you later, okay?"
"I... Okay, sure."
Not even a polite farewell in Ethlando's response had Halueth's mood plummeting. He hadn't had the chance to inquire about Ethlando's condition, but he sensed a difference in the man's tone, a formality and distance he hadn't used before. Halueth instinctively retreated, hastily uttering a simple "okay," and then promptly ending the call.
