Lilian paced the living room, her footsteps echoing softly in the stillness of the night. Outside, the darkness pressed against the windows, casting long shadows that seemed to dance with every flicker of passing headlights. She clutched her phone tightly in her trembling hands, her heart hammering against her ribcage like a trapped bird desperate to escape.

The faint sound of footsteps outside sent a shiver down her spine, and she froze, her breath catching in her throat. Was it just her imagination, or was someone out there? She strained her ears, listening intently for any sign of danger, but the silence that followed was deafening. With trembling fingers, Lilian dialed your number, her heart pounding in her chest with each agonizing ring. Please, let him answer, she prayed silently, her grip on the phone tightening with every passing second. She needed you now more than ever, your voice a lifeline in the darkness that threatened to engulf her.

As the phone continued to ring, Lilian's panic threatened to consume her. What if you didn't pick up? What if she was truly alone in this moment of fear and uncertainty? Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision as she clung to the desperate hope that you would answer, that you would be there to chase away the shadows and bring her back into the light.

"Please pick up.. please pick up.." Lilian whispered to herself under her breath, knuckles white from clutching onto the phone tightly as she dialed your number.