Unbroken

Chapter 9

It's time for that monthly call. I wasn't ready to answer. And it had to be today of all days. I shuddered trying to grasp my voice. I didn't have one. My voice was long gone. Along with my strength and my courage. It was there on the other side of the ringing phone. I promised myself I'd do better than last time. Last time I was a complete wreck. Nothing anybody did or said made a difference. I was still here. Right where he left me to be. Waiting patiently for him to come back to me. But it may never happen again.

I stared at the framed photo of us. It was the day after our first anniversary together. It was cold and freezing and kinda drafty. I could still feel his breath going down my neck as he hugged me tightly from behind. We were strolling through the park just admiring the stars and nature itself. I loved the sound of the crickets chirping and little hissing sounds but it was actually running water from the fountain. He'd just put me back on my feet pulling me into a hug right before the picture was taken freezing that big smile on my face forever.

I smiled at the photo and looked back to my phone once again. I sighed deeply and picked it up. "Hey..." His voice boomed throughout the room. I took another deep breath before answering. "Hi.." I say softly. "How...how are you?" He asked. "I'm fine. You?" I asked. And we're back to square one on our phone calls. "I'm fine. How have you been?" He asked trying to maintain a conversation. For some reason I didn't want to have one at all right this moment. My heart melted like butter after hearing what I wanted to hear."I miss you."