The caller was a stranger with an unfamiliar number. Josefina, with her photographic memory, immediately recognized to whom the number belonged.
Sensing the situation, Alex, ever perceptive, stood up and said, "Ms. Josefina, I'll step out then."
Once Alex had closed the door behind him, Josefina answered the call.
"Josie, I have to make a trip. It'll take a while before I'm back. I'm sorry I can't be there to cheer you on at the design competition." Livia's voice was tinged with reluctance and sadness.
Hearing this, Josefina asked with concern, "You're leaving again?"
"I've got a lead on some herbs you need for your research. They're going to be auctioned off, so I'm heading out to get them. It'll take some time."
Livia had co-founded a pharmaceutical company with Josefina and was in charge of procurement. Whenever Josefina needed specific herbs, Livia would go to great lengths to acquire them.
"Be safe, Livia, and take a couple of people with you," Josefina urged.
"Don't worry, Josie. When have I ever let you down? I promise to get the herbs back to you in time for your experiments."
After a few more words of caution, Josefina hung up the phone.
...
Alex stretched after completing a design sketch and accidentally bumped into something. Turning around, he found Holly standing there.
He apologized, startled, "Sorry, Holly, I didn't see you there."
"Alex, how's the competition prep going?"
"Still working on it."
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