Angelina was laughing and giggling while Lily just smiled at the story. Katherine had joined in, commenting on how fascinating his childhood sounded. “I wished I had siblings when I was younger but after living with these two, I am glad I didn’t.”

The friends rolled their eyes but didn’t snap back.

The game was set up and they chilled in front of the television, playing like there was no tomorrow. The camera’s rolled on and they bantered while they competed and threw out compliments when the other did something amazing. They took small breaks and the shooting went on for a really long time. It was about two at night and Katherine was growing weary. She missed Cage like crazy and she wanted nothing more than to call him and talk to him. But with all these people in the room, it would be unwise to make the call.

Also, it would be really late where he was, as well. He would be sleeping and waking him up when he was in the busiest phase of shooting would be cruel.

Her phone rang suddenly while they were playing. She looked down at the phone and her eyes widened in surprise.

Laurence, too looked up and saw her staring at her phone. “Take the call,” he said casually as he paused the game. Katherine looked at him with gratitude and didn’t need to be told twice. She jumped off the couch and went to her room to take the call.

“Hello, Cage.” She couldn’t contain her excitement in her voice.

“Hi,” he said. He sounded so tired that her heart ached. “I miss you,” he groaned.

All she wanted to do was to give him a warm hug and hold him until he didn’t feel tired any longer. Just one more month to go, she reminded herself.

“I miss you, too. Why are you awake so late tonight?” she asked, worry lacing her voice. She loved that he was calling despite being exhausted, but he needed to be healthy.

“Yeah. I can’t fall asleep, either. We finished shooting late and I was preparing for the interview with Entertainment Tonight tomorrow.”

“Ah, yes. That one. Best of luck for it. It seems Stephen hasn’t fallen asleep either.” She wanted to talk to him for longer but she could hear a knock at the door. It was Lily.

“Yeah. They are waiting for you outside, sorry,” she mumbled.

“I’ll be there in ten minutes,” she announced with a sigh and went back to the call.

“Are you guys still shooting the video?” Cage asked, sounding super confused.

“Yeah, it is running really long. We want to finish the game and send out a series in place of just one video. So, once I am done editing, I have a couple of videos to go up. We’re filming for his channel, too, so that engagement is high.” Her voice was soothing and Cage had gone silent on the other side. As if jolted awake, he replied guiltily.

“Sounds like a good plan.” He yawned suddenly and she could hear the silence that followed.

“Cage, you have a long day tomorrow, please go to sleep. Just ping me when you wake up or have rested for long enough.” She was stern and felt horrible about it. But this man was pushing himself to the limit because of her and she needed them to be a couple who supported and pushed each other up. Thinking that he needed to stick to all his commitments despite his condition was thinking too lowly of their connection. Their love and affection would remain even if they didn’t talk for a prolonged period of time.

“I really wanted to talk to you,” he grumbled.

“I know. I wanted to talk to you, too. But I’ll have to finish this game and you need sleep to stay healthy. How will you shoot if you are delirious? Won’t it eat up more of your time?” Now, her voice was softer and coaxing. “I’ll probably take tomorrow off. We can talk for as long as you want,” Katherine reassured calmly.

He hummed, feeling sluggish already but happy that she wasn’t angry. She was never angry. How did he find this angel?

She waited for him, humming a tune as she heard his breathing even out. It had taken him a couple of minutes to fall asleep but she stayed for a little longer, hearing his soft and rhythmic breaths drumming against her ear. She closed her eyes and sank into the moment, feeling closer to him than she had over the past month and a half. She wanted to cry. She wanted to run to him. But she sucked it up and hung up on the call.

She stared at the phone in her hand for a second before slapping her cheeks to wake herself up and force herself to go back to the living room.

As she closed the door behind her, the people in the room turned to look at her. Her eyes were red and watery as she tried to keep herself from crying. The stress was finally getting to her and just playing the game would make her remember Cage more than ever before.

“Are you alright?” Laurence asked as she walked over and sat down beside him. She pushed a small smile on her lips and shook her head.

“Just a little tired. Long days,” she lied. He nodded, buying the story. Lily and Angelina looked unconvinced. “You guys should get some rest,” she told them.

Lily sighed and patted Katherine on the back before retreating into her room. Angelina sat in the corner of the room, away from the lens of the camera and simply observed.

“I don’t have anything to do tomorrow. I’ll just stay here,” she told them. She was rapidly typing on her cellphone and furrowing her eyes. Katherine imagined that she was still texting Stephen and let her be.

“Are you sure you are okay?” Ian asked, looking beyond concerned. He threw a scared glance towards Laurence who looked equally puzzled. He didn’t wash to ask her what had happened and knew that she wouldn’t tell either way.