"Hello?" a woman's voice frantically squeaked through the phone line. Oddly, the number displayed was blocked.

"Yes. Hello? This is Hyuna," I answered back.

Somehow I felt as if I was already expecting this call. The voice on the other line sounded oddly familiar. Could it be Haerin? Impossible. She's been missing for weeks now. No sign of her from anyone or anywhere. She was probably going through another one of her "Haerin Freakouts." It was Haerin's term for a vacation. She would never tell anyone where exactly she was, or when she'd be back. It wasn't necessary either. Everyone knew she'd return. She loved the attention. I had no worries or doubts, she'd probably come back with a reassuring smile and a new pair of Fendi boots. Typical Haerin.

"Hyuna? Thank God. I'm so relieved to hear your voice," She said. 

"Haerin? Haerin. Wh-where are you?"

"I'm...not sure. It's dark and I-I don't know..." She stuttered. Ugh, why Haerin? Why do you have to be so dramatic?

"This is not funny. Its sick and twisted. You have everyone worrying all over the place over you, while you're out in the world lounging and shopping and playing dress up. Wow. You've really outdone yourself, Haerin." I hated to sound like a brat but how dare she do this. She was testing my patience. Definitely. I wanted a real reason she decided to leave and never return. And perhaps a location, too. 

"Hyuna. Please, listen to me. I honestly don't know where I am. And before you call me a liar and drop the phone, just let me explain myself."

The phone became quiet and for once I noticed the panting and loss of breath in Haerin's voice. As if she'd been running away from somewhere. And of course, like the friend I never should've acted like, I caved in and let her speak.

"Hyuna. I've been kidnapped. Please, believe me this time. I don't remember a lot of what happened or how I got here, but someone wants me harmed. I'm stranded here, wherever here is. I just needed to let someone know I'm alive. I knew you'd pick up...you've always been there for me. I-I'm sorry."

What was she talking about? Nothing made sense. I wish she were straightforward with everything.

"Haerin, how can I tell this is the truth?" I asked with seriousness in my tone. A long pause followed after, and then another set of heavy breathing.

"Uh...my phone! I never leave anywhere with out my phone. You know that. I'm a born textaholic. Have you tried calling or texting me? Well I haven't replied, duh! I'm here. Wherever this place is..." She faded off, not even noticing I had stopped listening and became engulfed in my own thoughts. She's right. Haerin never missed a call or ignored a text. No matter who it was from. Even in the car, she'd risk it all behind the wheel for the sake of the constant ringing of her cell.

I thought back to the times I had texted her during her disappearance. I had to have texted her at least fifty times and called thirty...not once did she reply. In my many years of being Haerin's best friend, for once I believed her crazy story. She really was in danger.

"Okay, I'm going to help you. Can you tell me what's around you...like signs? Roads? Streets?"

"No, it's too dark. I ran here from the cabin. I was running...running away from him." 

My heart stopped. Haerin wasn't just running. She was running for her life.

"Haerin, stay on. If you stay on long enough I can get help to rescue you. I know how to--" I was cut off by background noises coming from Haerin's line. What was that?

A growl?

Footsteps?

Another person?

Oh God, please be safe. Haerin. Please be safe.

"Hyuna, I-I have to go. He knows I'm gone. I'm scared he might--" the connection was breaking the more she spoke. I could barely understand anything she was saying.

"Dammit, Haerin! Who? Who's he?" I snapped.

"I-I have to go now..."

"Haerin-- no, wait!" I yelled, tears burning in my eyes. 

"Bye"

And then she dropped the phone.