LANCASTER RESIDENCE
The phone sat at the center of the glass table, its insistent buzzing vibrating against the surface. It didn't stop until someone emerged from a nearby room, their steady footsteps echoing before they finally reached out to claim the device.
Daniel looked at the caller ID and let out a heavy sigh. He hoped for good news this time; he was so close to giving up, yet he knew that wasn't truly an option.
"Good morning, Daniel. How are you doing?" Norman asked from the other end.
Daniel hesitated, torn between pouring out his mounting frustration or keeping it locked inside. Silence stretched between them as he momentarily forgot he was even on a call.
"Daniel? What is wrong? I've heard you sigh nearly a hundred times—are they giving you trouble?" Norman questioned, trying to coax him into speaking.
