Forrest's mental resilience was so fragile. He couldn't handle such intense shocks and was afraid that it might cause heart disease.

"It's Travis", Willie replied with calm.

Forrest found himself speechless once more, almost blurting out a curse in disbelief. “How could it be him?"

He had never seen it coming. It was completely unexpected.

"I don't know exactly," Willie admitted.

"Well, whatever. As long as it's not Alick's. Damn, I was almost scared into a heart attack!" Forrest responded, his voice filled with relief.

“Well, I'll hang up now. I need to tell Isaac the news," he added.

After Willie responded, the call ended.

Forrest pocketed his phone and turned around, only to find Annis standing behind him. He jumped. “Why... Why are you here?" he stammered.

Annis just stared at him, silent.

Under her gaze, Forrest felt a surge of guilt and panic. Did she overhear anything? He racked his brain, trying to remember if he had said anything incriminating. After a moment, he concluded he hadn't.

Then he looked back openly.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Forrest asked.

"Who were you talking to on the phone just now?" Annis inquired with a serious tone.

Perhaps it was her earnestness that made Forrest unable to meet her gaze. He replied slowly, "Willie."

“Okay," Annis acknowledged. “Did you mention Alick on the phone?"

Forrest was at a loss for words. Did he mention Alick? There had indeed been a brief mention.

"As long as it's not Alick. What do you mean by that?" Annis asked.

“You must have misheard me. I didn't mention Alick..." Forrest tried to clarify.

"You did," Annis asserted confidently.