Inktober 2019 – Ring

Hello?

Is this meant to be some kind of a joke?

No. I’m sorry. I’m just a little upset. You know I don’t do well with surprises, and you have to admit that this is a surprise.

Of course I’m happy to hear your voice. You know that. I’m always happy to hear from you. But I really wasn’t expecting…

Well, to be honest, this isn’t the best time. I was just calling the drug store to renew a prescription.

Yes, that one. So it’s fairly important.

Oh, no. You are important. You are. But…

I’m not trying to avoid you. I’m not. I just…

That’s not fair and you know it. I could be mad at you for leaving the way you did, and I’m not, no I am not, so you can’t be mad at me for not rushing off after you. Especially when it wouldn’t be quick at all, as you very well know.

I don’t know when. When I’m ready.

How are you lonely? Isn’t your grandma there? What about Rex and… oh, what was the old cat’s name?

Oh.

Dark and cold. Oh, I’m so sorry.

No. I will not.

Because I got to see the look on the driver’s face after you had stepped in front of his bus. That poor man. I’m not doing that to someone else. And at least you didn’t do it on purpose. I will come when it’s my time. I don’t know when that is, any more than anyone else does. And if you’re going to keep up like this, I’m hanging up. Yes, I miss you too, but that doesn’t give you the right…

That’s it. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

“Inktober 2019 – Ring” ©2019 Dirck de Lint.