Your answering machine clicks on and begins to recite your leave-a-message message in that slow, warbling voice you use to perturb solicitors. Did you turn the ringer off? Have you been screening all your incoming calls again? How long has that been going on?
The tone sounds.
"I can take my nice speakers outside and listen wherever," a voice says.
Before you can reach out and pick up the handset, the call is disconnected.