ALL of a sudden, her phone rang, disrupting her thoughts. She took it out and found that Isaac was calling.

She wiped the tears off her face at once and calmed herself down before answering the call.

"Hello?"

Although Camila hid her tears, Isaac could discern her sorrow immediately.

"Are you crying?"

His deep voice resonated from the distant end of the phone line.

"No, I'm perfectly fine," Camila retorted, attempting to mask her distress.

A pregnant pause followed.

“Very well, I believe you.”

Lowering her gaze, Camila stared at her toes, her voice a mere whisper.

"I miss you!"

The news of Laura had struck her with an emotional blow.

She had struggled to keep her composure, but deep down, she longed for a supportive shoulder, a moment of vulnerability with Isaac by her side.

After a prolonged silence, Isaac replied, "Rest well."

"Didn't you promise to return as soon as your work was done?"

"Something unexpected occurred..."

"I understand," Camila responded, her disappointment palpable.

Her eyes cast downward, with tears clinging to her eyelashes, she deduced, "You called to inform me that you cannot return for the time being, am I correct?"

Isaac confirmed in a somber tone, "Yes."

Summoning her inner strength, Camila encouraged herself, “I'll be fine. Carry on with your work. If there's any news, please notify me immediately."