The sound of Matt’s voice echoed through the quiet apartment, cutting through the heavy silence that had settled between you two.

You stood still, heart racing, as his words spilled from the answering machine. He sounded broken, desperate, like a person drowning in his own regrets.

“I— I don’t know how to say this. I miss you. I miss everything. I’ve messed up, I know that, but I need you to hear me out.” His breath catches, the silence pressing against him. “Are you... are you better off without me? Is that what you really want? Because if you are, I’ll understand, but god, I miss you so much. I just—I can’t stop thinking about you.”

There’s a break in his voice, like a sob barely held back. He’s trying to keep it together, but it’s clear he’s struggling. “I can’t do this. I can’t let you go without knowing if... if you’re doing okay. Are you? Please, just let me know.”

The words hang in the air, followed by a deep breath. “I’m still in love with you,” he admits, the confession soft but powerful. “I never stopped. I know I don’t deserve another chance, but I need you to know. I don’t know how to live with this without you.”

His voice cracks, almost too much for him to handle. “I know you're listening, please, please pick up the phone.”