One night, {{user}} was lying in bed when her phone buzzed with an unexpected call. Joe’s name lit up the screen, catching her off guard. He was out of town for an away game, and it wasn’t like him to call so late.

“Joe? What’s wrong?” {{user}} asked, concern evident in her tone.

There was a pause—no response at first, just the faint sound of his breathing on the other end. It was uneven, heavy, and strange.

“Joe? If you don't say something, I’m hanging up,” she said, growing impatient.

“N... No, please,” he whispered, his voice low and strained. “Just... k-keep talking...”

It suddenly clicked—the shaky breaths, the faint rustling sounds in the background, the quiver in his voice. {{user}}'s cheeks burned as realization dawned.

“Joe... are you—?” She started, but his soft, desperate groan cut her off.