Watching my sister’s struggle with her wobbly chin, none of my words felt right.
At a loss, I decided to repeat something Abram had said to me at a critical time between us, something that, in retrospect, had made all the difference to me.
“Lisa, will you be brave with me?” I reached forward, covered her hand with mine, and waited until she met my eyes. “Will you let me know you?”
6
Radio Astronomy
*Abram*
She picked up on the second ring. “Hello?”
My leg stopped bouncing. Finally. “Mona.”
“Abram! How are you? How was the flight? Did you sleep? And the concert? Did you make it back in time? Did it go well? Are you all done?”
I closed my eyes and lay down on the bench of the stretch limo, covering my forehead with my arm. Her intoxicating voice washed over me, covering, surrounding, lifting. Relief. Sweet, sweet relief.
“It is so good to hear your voice.” Finally.
I spoke into the darkness, holding the phone to my ear. This moment was the very first moment since I’d left her ten hours ago that I felt like I could breathe.
She didn’t say anything for a moment, but I could almost see her smiling. I could certainly feel it, and an answering slow, spreading smile claimed my mouth. This was how it should have been for the last six days.
“Thank you,” she said, definitely smiling. “It’s good to hear your voice too.” I heard her move, or something rustle in the background. “Do you feel like talking? Or are you too tired?”
“Not too tired. Tell me . . .” I began, not quite sure how to ask my next question. I didn’t want to put her on the spot, but I was worried. “How were things after I left? With your sister?”
A moment of near silence followed, during which I could make out the faint sound of her breathing. My jaw working, I struggled to keep a lid on my temper, but her silence led me to assume the worst.
No one fucks with Mona. No. One.
“Mona—”
“It was good.”
A short, surprised breath fled my lungs. “Good?”