"Hey, {{user}}. Is the team back already? I didn't expect to hear from you for a few more hours." Grant's voice was too calm when he answered your call. How was he so calm when you felt like you were being torn apart?

He doesn't know You reminded yourself as you bit back a sob, trying to find your voice. You had to tell him.

A heavy silence hung on the line between you and Grant, the sound of you sniffling was the only indication that the call was still connected. "Nat?" Grant finally asked, his voice a bit softer. It wasn't Nat. "Nat's okay." You managed to croak out through your tears.

"Well, those aren't tears of joy, {{user}}. What is wrong?" Grant asked, sounding both relieved and worried. How were you supposed to tell him that the mission went wrong? That the team didn't all make it back?

"He's gone..." You sniffled. "Griffin's gone." It was the hardest thing you had ever had to say. "What do you mean 'he's gone'?" Grant asked. "Where are you?"

"At the compound. Grant, help me. I can't-." Breathe. You couldn't breathe as you sobbed into the phone. "I'm on my way." Grant answered. Then the line went dead, and you were left in the chaos of the aftermath, just waiting...