“Hello?” I say, nonchallantly picking up the phone.

“When are you coming home to visit me?” The person on the other line asks. I feel a lump grow in my throat.

“Lynn?” I question. I immediately recognize her timid voice.

“Come visit me, honey. I miss you.”

“You know I cant…” I say defeatedly.

“But why? I have your birthday present waiting for you here.

“Your all the way in North Carolina.”

“Please??” Her irritation is growing. She is scaring me.

“Im hanging up now. I love you.”

“No please dont go… please!” She pleads. But I hang up the phone.

Lynn has been dead for 2 years.