After solving a tough equation, Kayden sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I need a break," he muttered. Darren only hummed, already flipping through another page.
Kayden leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a moment before speaking. "Maybe I should go grab my phone.
"Finally," Darren teased. "I thought you'd forgotten you even owned one."
Kayden chuckled softly, stood up, and left the study. His footsteps echoed lightly down the hallway until he reached his room. The phone was right where he'd left it on the desk, the screen lighting up when he touched it.
The sight made his chest tighten.
Ten missed calls. All from his dad.
Just as he was about to press "call back," the phone vibrated in his hand, his father was calling again at that exact moment.
Kayden hesitated only a heartbeat before answering.
"Dad?"
Ryland's voice burst through the line, warm and thrilled.
"Kayden! Finally, you picked up. I've been trying to reach you all day!"
