After several rings, it turned straight to voice mail.

She tried repeatedly, but no one picked up.

Alexis blinked, her phone slipping from her grasp. Abruptly, she tossed off the covers and rose from the bed. Unsure of her destination or plans, she simply couldn't bear to remain in bed.

Something had slipped from memory, unnoticed.

Just then, Rena pushed the door open, entering the room. Observing Alexis standing, she rushed to assist her, inquiring, "What's brought you out of bed? Can I get you anything?"

Holding Rena's hand, Alexis asked, "Mom, do you know where Leonel is?"

Rena felt a pang in her chest.

Before Rena could respond, Alexis poured out, “Lately, I've been dreaming about him every night. I dreamt he was trapped in that car crash. Mom, I need to see him."

Though their marital status was uncertain, Alexis needed reassurance about Leonel's safety.

Rena guided Alexis to sit beside her, tenderly running her fingers through her hair as she mentioned, "Wasn't there news about his trip abroad for a major project? He'll be away for some time."

"Even if he's abroad, he always checks in about the kids."

Alexis' face drained of color as she confided, "Mom, I'm terrified something awful might happen to him. I was in the car with him when the accident occurred. Mom, I need to see the car."

Rena realized she couldn't evade the truth. With a sigh, she murmured, "Let me give him a call; Leonel could be tied up at the moment."

Rena punched in the number on her phone's keypad.

After several rings, the call finally connected. Rena's voice trembled slightly as she spoke. “Leonel, can you talk? Alexis wants to speak with you, if you're available."

After a brief pause, Rena passed the phone to Alexis.

"You two chat. I'll step out for a bit."

Alexis held the phone, observing Rena's departure, before a husky voice sounded from the other end. "Alexis?"

Hearing that word, Alexis finally experienced a sense of reality.

She was certain now. Leonel was alive. He was there, on the other end of the line.