The academic conference he was currently attending even bore my father's name.
It seemed best to contact him for the project handover.
After much deliberation, I called him.
Still, there was no answer.
After seven or eight attempts, I gave up.
"The number you have dialed is currently busy. Please try again later..."
I knew that voice too well.
The calls not going through didn't anger me as they used to.
I just felt tired now.
I got one of Roger's colleagues to collect his documents.
It was from his colleague that I learned Daniel was attending an overseas conference in collaboration with the neighboring university.
The person in charge there was Barbara, who had also gone abroad for the conference.
It all clicked in my mind instantly.
No wonder it was Barbara who answered my call earlier.
Her voice dripped with arrogance.
"Daniel's busy. His phone is with me. If you need anything, you can tell me."
"My father's in the ICU. Please tell him to hurry back..."
I was cut off before I could finish.
"Understood, he's about to go on stage."
"Do you need anything else?"
Impatience crept into her tone.
"Nothing much, just a divorce. Let him know when he's back."
It was a week later when I saw Daniel again.