Sanford's response came almost reflexively. Then, a pause, as a thought seemed to strike him.

"Could it have been my mother?"

Rosalynn remained silent, her suspicions mere conjecture.

From the other end of the line, Sanford's labored breathing was audible. Eventually, he said, “I understand. I gotta go."

Rosalynn exhaled deeply, her gaze lost on the phone's screen.