There was harsh breathing on the other end, and he would able to pick out Poppy’s distressed sobs. Her voice was wretched and she was evidentially struggling. “Francis...?!”
Poppy groaned as the phone clattered from her hands. She rested her forehead on the concrete, ignoring the sharp pain in her ribs before trying to stand up, but ultimately failing, falling back to the ground.
She was struggling to get up when he approached. She didn't notice him at first, her shoulders shaking with stifled sobs as she took unsteady breaths, her free hand clamped on her side. When she saw him, she cried out in surprise, falling back down and shying away, trembling.
She watched him for a moment before realizing who he was, tears filling her eyes. "Did you find her?"
He looked panicked, and something that sounded like a whimper escaped his throat. "I.. I haven't yet. I haven't. We need to get you somewhere safe so I can find her."
A sob escaped her lips and she shook her head, trying to stand up again. "I'm okay. I'm okay. I can get myself somewhere. You need to find her, okay? Go..." She hesitated, her eyes darting around. "Go see Derrick. Please."
"I'm okay," she insisted, leaning up against the wall, shaking her head. "Please, Francis. It'll take too much time to get me somewhere. I can do it."
She took a shuddering breath as she watched him go, tears falling down her cheeks as she closed her eyes.
