The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, but the warmth of the day couldn't reach her heart. Elias went downstairs with the car keys, carrying two boxes of fruit and nuts in his hands, prepared to give them to their high school class teacher.
Half an hour into the drive, his phone rang.
Mira glanced at the caller ID.
— Vera.
Elias' brow furrowed as he pressed the answer button.
A soft, trembling voice came from the other end. "Elias... what's the point of me living? My limbs are so stiff today, I won’t be able to stand or dance anymore. I might as well die now... that way, I won’t have to keep suffering."
"Don’t be impulsive! Don’t do anything rash!" Elias' voice was sharp as he slammed on the brakes, veins standing out on his forehead. "Vera, calm down! Sit down, take a deep breath—please."
His tone softened, becoming gentle, like a patient teacher. "Promise me you won’t do anything stupid. I know you’re strong. You’re the best."
Vera’s sobs filled the line. "It’s too painful... I just want to end it."
The sound of something crashing to the ground echoed through the phone.