playing telephone ; justice & poppy {95th}

P O P P Y

"What the fuck, Fray? You're supposed to pick up on the first ring. You promised."

Static and panicked breathing, the tap of fingernails against granite countertops.

"I saw - well everyone saw - what happened. Are you both okay?"

A beat of silence.

"Are you okay? Of course you're not. I can get on a train, I'll figure out some way. I'm there. If you need me I'm there."

Commotion in the background, the receiver rustles against fabric obscuring muffled shouting.

"They think I'll kill someone. I'm not that stupid." Spoken louder, for the audience in the background, "I'm just angry. I'm so tired of watching them hurt you. Tired of being a million miles away when it happens."

Volume drops to a whisper. Barely audible now.

"Please, I just need to hear your voice."