A Phone Call
Rrrrring
“Hello, Thompsons,” I say, just like mom taught me.
“Hi, is your mom there?” The voice belongs to Shannon, or Mrs. Hunter as I’m supposed to call her, one of my mom’s friends.
“Yeah! I’ll go get her.”
“Thanks, kiddo.”
I sigh, it’s not that I don’t like Mrs. Hunter, I was just hoping for someone else.
Rrrrring
“Hello, Thompsons.”
“Hey, Tony! Can you come over today? My mom said it was alright.”
Completely distracted from my hopes for a call that may never come, I sprint upstairs.
“Mom, mom! Jimmy just called and asked if I can go to his house. His mom already said it’s okay!”
She looks up from the laundry and smiles, “You can go, just make sure to come home before supper,“ I roll my eyes; I always come back by supper – even when dad’s not here. “Have fun!”
Without pausing to say thank you, I rush out the front door.
Bedtime means dad reads a book, mom sings a song, and they both tuck my blankets in tight.
Tonight mom does all three before she tells me she loves me, kisses my forehead, and goes back downstairs.
As soon as she leaves, I turn to my window and look for the moon (I’m going to live on the moon someday). My eyes find stars instead and I remember grandma saying if you wish on a star, it will always come true. I’m usually smarter than that, but tonight I mutter a quick wish just in case.
Rrrrring
Rrrrring
The noise wakes me up, but I close my eyes again and try to go back to sleep.
“Tony, Tony, wake up. Someone wants to talk to you.”
“Hello?” My eyes dart back to the stars. Could it be?
“Hey, son.”
“Dad,” I whisper.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Natalie and welcome to Voice.club. This is a really sweet story. I know what it’s like, having a parent absent, growing up and waiting for the precious phone call or visit can be agonising. You’ve captured that well in your story. Nicely done
Thank you so much! I’m glad the story was able to resonate with you and that you enjoyed it!
Welcome to Voice.Club, Natalie. Sorry I am a little confused. The protagonist wishes to hear from his father, makes a wish and receives a phone call, But I thought the father already read the boy a book and tucked him in bed.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleMargarida, when Natalie writes ‘Bedtime means dad reads a book etc.’ Tony is explaining what usually happens. In the next line he tells us ‘Tonight mom does all three’ meaning his dad is not at home.
I don’t believe that is what she said, Margarida. If you read it again, she says that bedtime means that the father reads the book, but that night the mother performs all three of the bedtime rituals. I think it is quite plain to understand.
Hello! I’m sorry that part was confusing for you! It is supposed to read as explaining what normally happens at bedtime when both parents are home but then showing that his dad isn’t there so his mom did everything.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA heart-warming story, Natalie, and very well written. I love the continued ringing of the phone as he waits; it really builds the suspense. I feared his father was dead so it was a wonderful ending. And… welcome to Voice.Club!
Thanks for the warm welcome and your kind words! I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
This was an adorable story, Natalie! It was such a heart-warming read at the very end when Tony’s Dad calls. Keep up the great writing!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
I can picture Tony so well, Natalie, through the dialogue in your story and how you reveal his thoughts. You had me willing that phone to ring! A satisfying ending that left me with a lovely warm feeling. Welcome to the club!
Thank you so much for your kind comments!!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much for your kind comments!
The little mentions of dad really help build the story towards its conclusion
A warm welcome to voice club, Natalie. Like Sandra, I also feared that his father was dead. It was a very satisfying end. Well done. Keep on writing.
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