A pause. Then Maggie’s voice wavered. “No, I’m not asking for money. I’m asking for you to show up. She’s asking for you.” Another pause — longer this time, sharper. Her next words came out quieter. “I see. So you can’t be bothered.”
The silence stretched, broken only by the faint click of the call ending. Maggie stood there for a moment, eyes glistening, before whispering to no one, “Coward.” When she came back inside, she forced a small smile. “He sends his regards,” she said softly.