Page 99 of Play Room Actor

Would I have acted differently if I’d known earlier?

I clicked on my contact list and dialed Kilian’s number. It rang a few times, then went to voicemail. I hung up and tried again. Before the voicemail kicked in, I hung up again.

“So, what did she say?” Nico asked as I retreated to the balcony.

“They argued, and Kilian apparently has bipolar disorder or something like that. I’m not sure how she exactly described it. But his parents were already considering calling the police.”

“The police? Isn’t that a bit much?”

“I asked the same thing, but apparently …” I shrugged.

“And now?”

“I tried to reach him,” I said, holding up my phone. “But he’s not answering.”

Just then, the phone in my hand vibrated, and Kilian’s name appeared on the screen.

28

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Dominic

“You decided to talk to me again,” Kilian slurred on the other end of the line.

Was he drunk?

No. He sounded different.

It was more like he was using all his energy just to get a word out.

“Dude, where are you?”

Kilian was silent, and all I could hear was his heavy breathing.

“Are you okay?” I asked, concerned.

“It … it won’t stop.” His voice was weak and desperate. Then he exhaled loudly, choking on the breath. “C-can you come get me?”

I didn't expect that, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words.

“I-I understand if … if you don’t want anything to do with me anymore,” Kilian sniffled. “I get it, but …”

“Take it easy,” I interrupted him.

“I just want it to stop.”

“Where are you?”

“No idea … some bar.”

I glanced at Nico, who was staring back at me with equal confusion. It was loud enough for him to hear Kilian too.

“Is anyone with you? Or are you alone?”

“Oliver’s here.”

“Let me talk to him.”