The End and Then by Hannah Bird

Author:Hannah Bird
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hannah Bird

Chapter Twenty

Mama: I miss you so much, baby.

I re-read the words for the hundredth time since they appeared on my phone an hour ago. The perfect little boost I didn’t even know I needed. For months it has felt as though I’m marooned on an island, looking at her on the mainland, with no boat to bring me across. It is so foreign to me, this distance between us. I want to shout to her that I’m coming. That I’m building a bridge back home to her.

Me: I miss you more.

For now that will have to do. My computer speaker chimes to indicate Stephen has joined the call. He’s freshly shaven today, a sight I’ve never seen before. His chin is smaller than I imagined it would be, but the smooth skin makes him look younger. I realize he’s probably closer to Ella in age than I previously realized.

“How are you today, Eden?” He reaches beyond the frame, and I hear the distinct sound of blinds opening. A pale light brightens the shadows of his office, allowing me to see him even more clearly.

“I’m doing better, thank you,” I answer politely. “You have to know that I can’t just let the lack of a goatee go, right?”

He chuckles and scratches where he once had hair to stroke. “What can I say? Change is afoot!”

Indeed it is, I think to myself, glancing at my phone where it rests facedown on the table.

“So, Eden.” His deepening voice tells me the conversation is about to shift to a more serious topic. He doesn’t have to say the words; I already know what comes next.

“I’m ready, Stephen.” I hold Mama’s shirt in my lap and rub the threadbare hem between my thumb and forefinger. “I can do this.”

He raises an impressed eyebrow at me, although there is no surprise in his expression. A hint of a smile pulls at the corners of his newly exposed lips. “Well then, the floor is yours,” he says, gesturing for me to take the stage.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.