Chapter 4: The Voice Behind The Text

A few more days passed.

Their chats had become part of their daily routine.

If David didn't hear from Amanda in the morning, something felt missing.

If Amanda didn't get David's usual "Good night," she found it hard to sleep.

Yet, despite talking every day, neither of them had suggested a phone call.

It was almost as if they were both afraid that hearing each other's voices might ruin the comfort they had built through text.

Then, on a rainy Friday evening, David's phone rang.

Unknown Number.

He stared at the screen for a second before answering.

"Hello?"

Silence.

Then came a soft laugh.

"So... is this David Lawson?"

His lips curved into a smile.

"Amanda?"

"You recognized me that quickly?"

"You're the only stranger brave enough to call me."

She laughed.

"I got tired of imagining what your voice sounded like."

"And? Disappointed already?"

"Not at all."

"You sound... calmer than I expected."

"And you laugh more than I imagined."

Amanda giggled.

"For the record, people complain that I laugh too much."

"They're wrong."

There was a brief silence.

Then David said, "I'm glad you called."

Amanda smiled on the other end.

"So am I."

What was meant to be a five-minute call lasted for over an hour.

They talked about everything.

David confessed he couldn't cook anything beyond noodles and fried eggs.

Amanda laughed so hard she almost dropped her phone.

"So, if I ever visit, I'll have to save you from starving?"

"I didn't say you were invited."

"Oh? Then who said I wanted to come?"

They both burst into laughter.

For the first time, they weren't just names on a screen.

They were real.

When the call ended, David lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

A message popped up.

Amanda: You sound different from what I imagined.

David: Good different or bad different?

Amanda: Good different. 😊

He smiled.

David: You sound exactly like someone who laughs too much.

Amanda: Rude. 😂

He locked his phone with a grin.

The next morning, David woke up expecting Amanda's usual message.

Nothing.

He checked again an hour later.

Still nothing.

By afternoon, there was no text.

No missed call.

No online status.

For the first time since they met...

The silence didn't feel ordinary.

It felt wrong.

David stared at his phone, hoping it would light up.

It never did.