"Hi Honey. See, I told you I would call you
first chance I got. Aunt Sara says you've already
started school there and you said you were right up
with the work."
"Yes, Mommy. Where are you?"
"We're on our way to New York City," she said
excitedly. Her voice dropped. "The people in Boston
weren't available when they told Richard they would
be so we never met them, but he has people for me to
meet in New York and then in Chicago. After that
we'll head for Los Angeles."
"Los Angeles? But Mommy, when will I. . .
when will we be together again?" I asked my question
as quietly as I could.
"Soon, honey. Real soon, I promise."
"I could still meet you someplace, Mommy. I
could take a bus and--"
"Now don't make things harder than they are
for me, honey. I've already suffered a serious
disappointment, Please, cooperate."
"But I need my things," I said. "You didn't
leave me any money, Mommy. I can't call my friends.
I can't call Alice or Mama Arlene. It's long distance." "I'm calling Mama Arlene as soon as I get to
New York," she promised. I heard a horn blaring and
some-one shouting.
"Coming!" Mommy shouted back. "I've got to
go, honey. I've already held us up longer than I should have. I'll call you as soon as I can. Be good, honey.
Bye."
"But Mommy--"
The phone went dead. I held it tightly'. Silent