It was still strange to her even having a phone for such instant communication. So it hadn't really occurred to her that he hadn't contacted her again by it. Though then she wished she had. Maybe if she could have at least heard he was in trouble, even if he'd been unable to talk to her, maybe she would have gotten to him sooner. But she couldn't dwell on that. Not then. "You had dialed a few numbers on it. Not proper ones. It seems you were trying to call China."
She smiled slightly at the thought until Much's name came out of his mouth. That hurt. More than she could say. Her eyes closed briefly, fighting back the tears that threatened. She had to be the strong one this time. He was always so strong for her. "Much isn't here, my love. He never was." Her voice was soft and controlled. "You may have been dreaming of him. But I'm afraid he's not."