The call came out of nowhere, a sharp interruption to your quiet evening. The soft buzz of your phone on the counter caught your attention, and when you glanced at the screen, your stomach flipped. Candy’s name lit up. It wasn’t unusual for her to call, but this felt different. Late-night calls always carried a weight, and when you picked up, her voice confirmed your unease.

“Hey, sweetheart,” she began, but her usual confidence was missing. Her tone was shaky, almost fragile. You immediately sat up straighter, alarm coursing through you.

“Candy? What’s wrong?” you asked, your voice firm but concerned.

She hesitated, a silence stretching out that made your heart pound. “I... I need you to come see me,” she said finally, her words stumbling out. “Please. It’s important.”

The vulnerability in her voice sent a chill through you. Candy, the composed, poised woman you knew, never sounded like this.

“I don’t...” She let out a shaky breath, and you could hear the faintest quiver of emotion beneath it. “I can’t explain right now. I just need you here.” Her voice cracked on the last word, making it feel like a plea. “Please, just come. I—” She stopped, swallowing thickly. “I need you.”