Dots and Zeros [Completed]

15. Madeline

I'm in the hallway, leaning my back against the wall. I'm standing in the corner at the end. On my left is a window. The sun is on its way down already. The dark carpet and light walls are a sight I've been getting used to the past week or two.

The call connects.

'Hey honey,' I say.

Sam says a simple 'hi' on the other side of the phone call.

'How are you?' I ask.

'I'm fine. I got home early today. Class got canceled.'

'Why's that?'

'Teacher got sick. Are you about to leave work?'

I try to hold in a sigh, and look at my dress shoes.

'That's why I'm calling,' I say.

'Because you're almost leaving?'

They sound hopeful.

'No. I'm staying a little longer.'

The silence that follows is horrible. Are they... are they talking to someone else? I hear whispers on the other side of the call.

'Alright,' Sam says.

'I'm sorry.'

'It's not like I didn't expect it.'

'That's why I'm even more sorry than last week.'

'It's fine. Whatever. I'll order pizza.'

'Of course.'

When I look to the right I see Tobias exit the office. He sees me down the hallway and takes a few steps in my direction. He waves. I smile and wave back.

'So, what time do you think you're home?' Sam asks.

I redirect my gaze to the blank wall in front of me.

'Nine at the latest.'

'Alright. Can you help me with the math thing then? We didn't do that last weekend.'

Right. That was a thing. I totally forgot about it. Why don't I write this stuff down in my planner?

'Yeah. We can do that when I get home. For sure.'

'Thanks.'

'Weird question, are you with someone? Right now? Is this an inconvenient time for a phone call?'