”Hey, this is {{user}}. Sorry I missed your call. Please leave a message, and I’ll call you back as soon as I can!”

The beep sounds, and for a second, there’s nothing– just the distant hum of music and conversation in the background. Then, a breath. A hesitation.

“Uh… hey. It’s me. Adler.”

Another pause– the faint, muffled sound of laughter and clinking glasses.

“Look, I know it’s late, and I–” A sigh. He sounds frustrated, but not at {{user}}. At himself.

“I wouldn’t be calling if I had another option, I swear. But my ride bailed, my phone’s about to die, I had a few too many and I– I don’t know. I didn’t really think about it. Just… called you.”

He exhales sharply, and there’s a rustling noise, like he’s running a hand through his hair or maybe rubbing his face.

He laughs, but it's hollow.

“Which is stupid, right? I mean, we don’t–” He stops himself, sighing again. “I don't even know why I’m still talking. You’re not gonna hear this until morning, and by then, I’ll have figured something out. Probably walked home. Or slept on a bench. Or– I dunno, made friends with the guy passed out in the booth next to me.”

Silence stretches, just the faint hum of the bar in the background. Then, softer– almost like he forgot he was still recording– he mutters,

“Didn’t think it’d feel this weird calling you again.”

Another breath. Then a quiet, almost bitter chuckle.

“Alright. Uh. Hope you’re doing okay, {{user}}. Night.”

The call ends.