Torn Between

chapter 34: lured by desires

Caution: Please be advised that the narrative includes mature dialogues. Reader discretion is advised, and responses should be mindful of the content.

***********************************************************************************************

Axel trying to contact Iris, but for a week now, Iris was never online... all his messages were left unread... her phone rang but his call was never received.

Axel: (frustrated, dialing Iris's number again) Come on, Iris, pick up.

Ring, ring, ring...

Axel: (sighing in disappointment as the call goes unanswered once more) Where are you, Iris? Why aren't you answering?

Another attempt, but the call goes straight to voicemail.

Axel: (leaving a voicemail) Iris, it's me again. Please, call me back when you get this. We need to talk.

Days pass, and Axel's messages remain unanswered.

Axel: (trying to remain patient, but growing increasingly concerned) Iris, this isn't like you. Why are you avoiding me?

Axel sends another text message, hoping for a response.

Axel: (typing) Iris, I'm worried about you. Please let me know if you're okay.

Still, there's no reply.

Axel: (feeling a sense of helplessness) What's going on, Iris? Why won't you talk to me?

As the days went by without any response from Iris, Axel's concern grew with each passing moment. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease, wondering what could be keeping her away and why she wasn't responding to his messages.

Axel replayed their last interactions in his mind, trying to pinpoint any signs of distress or trouble that he might have missed. He wished he could turn back time and fix whatever had caused this rift between them.

Unable to focus on anything else, Axel found himself constantly checking his phone, hoping for even the slightest indication that Iris was okay. He couldn't shake the nagging worry that something serious might have happened to her.

With each unanswered call and unread message, Axel's anxiety intensified. He felt a sense of helplessness, wishing he could be there for Iris in her time of need, but feeling powerless to reach her.

Despite his frustration and confusion, Axel vowed to continue trying to reach out to Iris, determined to find out what was wrong and offer his support in any way he could.

One time...

Frances video calling...

Frances: (appearing on the screen with a smile) Hey, Axel! How are you?

Axel: (forcing a smile, but feeling conflicted) Hey, Frances. I'm... okay, I guess.

Frances: (noticing Axel's demeanor) Is everything alright? You seem a bit off.

Axel: (hesitating, not sure how much to reveal) It's just been a rough week, Frances. A lot on my mind.

Frances: (concerned) Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want to talk about it?

Axel: (feeling torn) I don't know if now's the best time...

Frances: (leaning in closer to the camera) Axel, you know you can tell me anything, right? I'm here for you.