Hello…

The officer frowned. The voice belonged to a little girl, no older than seven.

– Hello, sweetie. Why are you calling so late? Where are your parents?

– They… they are in the room, – she replied hesitantly.

– Okay, give me the phone to your mom or dad.

There was a pause.

– No… I can’t, – the girl’s voice grew quieter.

The man’s hands began to shake.

– Alright, then tell me what happened. You know you only call the police for something important.

– It’s important… – the girl sobbed. – Mom and dad are in the room… and they aren’t moving.

The officer’s sleepiness vanished immediately.

– Maybe they’re just sleeping? It’s late at night.

– No. I tried to wake them. Usually Mom always wakes up when I enter the room… but not now.