Phone

Phone

by Bella

Dad, it's me. I'm fine, I'm fine! Tell Mom I'm fine.

No.

insistently

No, Dad, really, it's important that I stay here.

Yes for my job, Dad. Yes, I understand.

stammering

Christmas? I- I'll have to-

What?

I'm sorry, Dad. No, I just-

Okay. Okay. I'll be there at Christmas. Even though we're not Christian.

laughing

Solstice rite, fine.

I- what? Um- no. No, I don't think so.

No, I- really, it's just-

I'm not going to lie, but I don't have to say.

Yes, a father has a right to ask, and a daughter has a right not to answer.

Dad.

Daddy.

I promise you, I'm okay.