Anaa’s face had drained of all color, her fingers trembling as she clutched the phone to her ear. “Khole… are you sure?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Melissa’s mother, noticing the sudden shift in her daughter’s expression, rushed to her side. “Anaa, what happened?” she asked anxiously, gripping her arm. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Anaa slowly turned to her, eyes wide, lips parted in horror. Only one word escaped her mouth. “Father?”
The mother’s knees weakened instantly. “What?” she gasped, her breath hitching. “What do you mean, Anaa? What happened to Mr. Kane?” Her voice rose in panic, her hands now gripping Anaa’s shoulders. “Tell me—is he okay? Is my friend okay?”
Anaa struggled to answer, still listening to Khole on the line, but the look on her face spoke volumes.
M
