Things You Said Over the Phone, with Too Many Miles Between Us
“I miss you.”
He’d said it so often it was a routine. Even when he wasn’t on the phone with Miles, he’d still utter it under his breath.
“Phoenix, I’ll be home soon.” Miles said gently.
Phoenix whined, “You said that a week ago.”
Miles sighed, “Things are difficult in Europe. I need to finish up my work here, before I can come back.”
Phoenix said, “How much work are you doing? Is it so much that you can’t come and see me? What about Trucy?”
“It is.” Miles insisted, “I want to come home to you and Trucy more than anything, but I don’t have a choice here.”
“Yes you do!” Phoenix snapped, “You can come back, and you…” He trailed off, “I’m sorry.”
Miles paused, before saying, “It’s fine. You’re stressed, I’m stressed, and we’re too far apart.”
Phoenix sighed, “It’s been too long. Every day, I wake up and I wonder if I’m ever going to see you again.”
“Of course you’ll see me again.” Miles said, “I think about you every waking moment.”
Phoenix smiled, “You really mean that, Miles?”
Miles replied, “Every waking moment.”
“Daddy? Are you off the phone yet?”
The call alerted Phoenix, and he called back, “Just a moment, sweetie!”
Miles said, “I take it you have to go.”
Phoenix said quickly, “Just to put Trucy to bed. Then I’ll be right back.”
Miles chuckled, “No, it’s fine. Take care of Trucy. And wish her good night from me, will you?”
Phoenix nodded, “Okay. Night Miles, I love you.”
“…I love you too, Phoenix.”
There was a click. Phoenix set his phone down, and stepped into his daughter’s room. Trucy was lying down in her bed, almost asleep.
She whispered, “Is Uncle Miles coming home soon?”
Phoenix smiled, “A few more days. He wants me to tell you good night.”
Trucy said, “Good night, Uncle Miles. And good night to you too, Daddy.”
Phoenix leant down and kissed her on the forehead, “Get some sleep, pumpkin.” He got up, turned off the light, and shut her door.
Phoenix glanced over at the phone on his desk. Soon, he’d see Miles again.
Soon, everything would be better.