C18 Another lie

Clara's POV

As I absorbed his words, the phone almost fell out of my grasp.

The person said, "Are you still there?" with anxiety in his voice.

My eyes filled with tears, and my lips dried up.

"Yes," I was able to respond.

Now, Derek was looking at me, perplexed, trying to understand what was happening.

"Your mother is not doing well, as I have said. You must be here immediately