Ring…Ring…

“Hello?” I cradle the receiver on my shoulder, sorting through my suitcase for the umpteenth time.

“Hey Emmie…I was just calling to…to say goodbye,” I hear. There’s an odd tone to her greeting, but I can’t figure it out.

“Goodbye? I don’t leave until tomorrow,” I point out, “We were meeting up, remember?” My eyebrows pinch together in confusion.

“Not you, me,” she corrects, her voice going soft.

“What are you talking about? I thought you said you didn’t have any plan—-oh, God,” I breathe, as comprehension dawns. “Sarah, that isn’t funny, don’t joke like that,” I stammer, my heart slamming against my ribs.

“I..I don’t have much time left…I just wanted to say that you were my best friend, and I wouldn’t have made it this long without you. I love you, Emmie,” she continues, ignoring my pleas, her voice practically a whisper now.

“I swear to God, I’m going to kill you. This isn’t funny,” I repeat, my voice choking on both anger and tears. “I’m coming over there. Don’t hang up.”