As time passed, Heeju found herself increasingly isolated.

She no longer wanted to answer calls from her sister or Director Hanjoon, who were both worried about her mental state. Once again, she shut herself away at home.

Yet, before the phone could even finish ringing—Ring—!—she would answer it with the speed of a squirrel.

"Hello?"

—...

The breathing on the other end was different this time. It sounded like it caught mid-inhale, as if something was stuck.

"Why do you only call once a day?"

—...

"Can’t you call more often?"

—...

Call her crazy.

Call it a mental illness.