MLMM Sunday Writing Prompt

It rang again. Odd sound, the old ringer with extra long chime. I don’t hear a sound like that anymore. Now it’s all cell phones with television show themes or rude remarks, even jokes. The bar itself was a relic and the phone fit well in the decor.

I knew who it was, I just didn’t want to pick up. They knew where I’d be. The problem with these old phones is they don’t give up. They just keep ringing incessantly, driving you to finally hold the receiver up to your ear to answer. Finally I just held it close but said nothing.

The voice I expected was talking, not caring to hear my reply. My hearing them would be enough and they knew it. The news was bad, heartbreaking in fact, so sorrowful my throat closed up and I couldn’t have said anything even if I wanted to.

It’s too late, the voice repeated, it’s too late, don’t come, you’re not needed anymore. You’re always too late. You should have been here to say goodbye.

It was my choice not to answer quickly. I do not regret my decision, but I will have another drink.

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