He said as the conversation came to a close.
my automatic fine rang untrue even to my own ears, but the car was full and the music loud.
No problems? he asked with genuine interest
my breath stopped, my eyes filled.
How long since someone asked me that and then listened for the answer? Much less, how long since he had asked me and let me know he cared?
Nope i said because the car was full of problems and the music loud.
and the tears flowed as I hung up because it mattered to him just then, 10 years too late.
