I nearly ignored it, but decided to answer.
I kept the house.
“Hello?”
A man said, “Is this Ruth?”
“Yes.”
“My name is Peter. I’m Jeffrey’s son.”
I sat down. For a second, I couldn’t speak.
“Jeffrey’s son?”
“Yes.”
“What happened?”
Peter paused.
“My father wants to speak with you. He… doesn’t have much
time.”
My hand tightened around the receiver.
“I’m Jeffrey’s son.”
Before I could answer, I heard movement. Then a weak voice came through the phone.
“Ruthie.”
Tears sprang to my eyes.
Then came a small, weak laugh.
“Jeffrey? You remembered.”
“Of course, I remembered every birthday.”
I covered my mouth.
I heard movement.
Forty-one years disappeared in one sentence.
Then his voice broke.
“Ruthie, I need you to know something before I die.”
I closed my eyes.
“What?”
“I was in love with you when we made that promise.”
