English C2: A short story

Write a short story that begins with this sentence: “When the phone rang at three in the morning, Mary knew at once who it was.”

When the phone rang at three in the morning, Mary knew at once who it was. Only one person ever called her at that hour, and he had not done so for twelve years. “Hello, little sister,” said Luke, as if nothing had happened. She could hear the wind behind him. “Do you know what time it is?” “I’m standing outside the house. Mum’s house.” Mary sat up. The house was no longer theirs; she had sold it herself after their mother died, against his wishes. They had fallen out over it, and ever since there had been nothing but silence. “Other people live there now,” she said quietly. “I know. The apple tree’s still in the garden. Do you remember climbing it in the summer?” She remembered. The rough branches, the smell of ripe apples, his voice telling her stories about pirates. Suddenly the quarrel seemed impossibly small. “Luke, where are you really?” He laughed, a tired, unfamiliar laugh. “At the airport. My flight leaves in two hours. I just wanted to hear your voice before I changed my mind.” Mary got up and reached for her coat. Outside, everything was still and cold. “Wait for me,” she said. “This time I’m not running away.” At the other end of the line there was a long silence. Then she heard him take a deep breath.