Call Back Soon, Okay?

"Is it really you? Am I really hearing your voice?"

"Yeah... it's me. I know it's been awhile."

"I'll say! Did you see my texts?"

"Um... I think I saw a couple of them but I'm not sure."

"What do you mean you're not sure? How many texts do you even get in a day!"

"I haven't kept track of that, to be honest."

"Geez, I'm just joking, honey! You must be pretty popular over there if you don't even see texts from your mother."

"You can call it that, I guess."

"Sooo... tell me about it! I want to know everything."

"Everything? I don't think there's enough time for that."

"Well not everything, sweetie, but the important things. Dad and I have barely heard from you since you left."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"That's okay. I'm not mad. I just miss you! Do you miss my cooking?"

"Yes, mom. I miss your cooking."

"Oh! I have to tell you about this pot roast that I made last week. Did you know you can put coffee in a pot roast?? I learned that on the phone last week on that little Instagram application. It makes the flavour so rich! Your father said it was the best one I ever made. Can you imagine? A compliment like that from your father..."

"Sounds really good, Mom. You'll have to make it for me the next time I come home."

"Of course! When will that be, honey? Do you know?"

"Umm... yeah. Well, I have to look at the midterm schedule and see what works."

"Okay, well you just let me know so I can get all of the ingredients."

"I will."

"Sooo, I told you the most exciting thing to happen to us in awhile. What about you?! I'm sure you have all kinds of stories by now. Let me live vicariously."

"I've actually just been spending most of my time studying. It's different than high school. Gotta work a lot harder, you know?"

"I know, sweetie, and I'm so proud of you. You worked your butt off to get accepted and now you're doing it! You're studying to be a doctor, living in the big city, learning how to be independent. What a dream!"

"Yeah, it definitely feels like a dream sometimes."

"I'm sure it does. Everything is new and exciting! Speaking of new and exciting, Aunt Helen just told us about her new boyfriend. She says he's special and we have to be kind when he's over for Christmas. I don't know if she thinks she's hosting or if she invited him without consulting me or what. Now, you know I don't like to gossip, but it all seems a little familiar. We'll see if this one lasts."

"You never know."

"That's right, you never know. Well, I do know her pretty well..."

"I'm just saying people can surprise you."

"Of course, of course. I'll try and keep an open mind."

"People change all the time."

"Yes, well, I'll believe that when I see it."

"I'm learning to let go of expectations. The future is open."

"You sound all grown-up! You may as well be a doctor already."

"We'll see if that happens."

"Oh don't worry, honey, of course it will."

"Sure... Mom, I have to go. Got class in a bit."

"Okay, okay. Busy, busy. Call back soon, okay?"

"I will."

"Bye, honey."

"Bye, Mom."