96. "I'm not laughing."
The telephone is clenched so tightly in her hand that Quistis's knuckles have gone as white as the receiver. "This isn't funny," she says, once she can find her voice again.
"I'm not laughing."
"How–"
"I don't know."
This isn't possible. It's not. There's no way.
"Quistis..." He doesn't sound like himself–he sounds pained, unsure. "You still there?"
Hello, Instructor.
"...Yeah. Yes. Where are you?"
"Timber."
"Can you get to Balamb?"
"I think I've got enough cash to swing it..." His voice trails off, and she hears the ruffling of paper in the background. The sound doesn't last for very long.
"I'll make arrangements."
With a hand that shakes just a tiny bit despite her best effort, Quistis hangs up the phone.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?