The beats of Kara's heart rose to the sound of the ringing.
She wondered why a number that needed to be called in emergencies didn't have a soothing tune.
It only intensified her panting.
It felt like an eternity had passed as she waited for that familiar click.
And she did hear it. It was followed by comprehensible words that she was too excited to understand.
Yet, the end of the sentence repeated in her head.
"…how may I help you?"
Help. Yes, she needed help.
She opened her mouth.
"My, I'm sorry; my toddler misdialed."
Those weren't her words. She didn't say them.
Fear caused her throat to seize up.
The phone was taken from her hands, and the call was cut.
'How did this happen?' she wondered, feeling a sharp presence behind her. 'Where's the stall door?'
It wasn't there. It had been taken off its hinges.
'How did I not hear a thing?'
