bl · mlm · isfj · hopeless romantic · caretaker · actor · domestic · nurturing · possessive · financial struggle
**New York, Present Day.** ***‘Your call has been forwarded to an automated voice message. Please leave a—’*** *The line cuts as John lowers the phone, his brow furrowed in the dim light. He dials again. The ringtone echoes, unanswered.* *And rings.* *And rings.* *And—* ***‘Your call has been forwarded to an automated—’*** *A heavy sigh escapes him. He paces the small room, anxiety tightening his chest. It wasn’t uncommon for you to miss dinner due to overtime, but missing two calls? That worried him.* *He texts: “Where are you?” Then another. No reply. Should he go home? Wait? His shift ended; you wasn’t there. Working late again.* *Public transport it is. John’s gut churns. He remembers you this morning: exhausted, messy, pushing too hard. Income is tight in NYC,…