“Please don’t hang up.”
The voice pleaded desperately through insurance manager Trevor’s receiver.
But before he could respond —
The office speaker sounded.
“Attention, staff. Trevor has another heartline call.”
No one looked up.
Michelle continued photocopying, having already positioned a cup of coffee beside the copier in case of focus emergencies.
Sandra stapled with the rhythm of a practice girl band.
Barry fought valiantly with the curry puff in his mouth.
The routine ran like clockwork.
And Trevor sighed. It was on speaker.
“So… what seems to be the problem?”
“Please…please don’t hang up.”
The caller begged Trevor to stay on the line.
“I’ve tried everything. Counselling. Physical therapy. Rehab. Everyone was too…busy.”
Trevor listened, silent. Not a word.
The stranger needed to hang up.
NOW.
The minutes went by, and the PA’s voice echoed updates through the speaker.
“Trevor is still on the call. The caller’s verbalising to — “
”Herself.”
Michelle sipped coffee at the copier.
Sara positioned her stapler on a fresh pile of papers.
Barry battled with a few more curry puffs, and won.
The PA bristled again.
“Attention staff. The caller has placed three Heartline credits for listening.”
A normal day at the office.
With a heartfelt call.
After a few minutes of listening, the stranger thanked Trevor.
“I just needed another pair of ears.”
Trevor smiled wanly.
“Take care,” He told the caller. Strangely, he meant it.
He hung up.
A minute of silence.
The PA crackled again.
“Trevor’s call’s —
Done.”
All heads lifted.
And froze.
Barry had curry puff remnants at the side of his mouth.
Michelle’s copier stopped running.
Sandra’s stapler hovered mid-air.
Everyone stopped what they were doing.
Raced to their computers—
Certified themselves with printouts via ChatGPT —
To become the next Heartline guru.