A Quiet House

Cody’s cell phone went off.

“Cody here.”

“It’s your mom, Cody. How are you?”

“Oh. Hi Mom. I’m fine. And you?”

“Fine Honey. Coping with a quiet house I guess you know.”

“Yeah, I know. Must be weird having all of us gone.”

“It’s terrible. I’ll be truthful, I miss each one of you. It’d be even worse without Linda.”

“How is she?”

“She’s fine at the moment. Still getting that flea treatment. We go back to Dr. Allen next week.”

“Poor Linda. She’s an old lady now.”

“She and her master too, I’m afraid.”

“You’re not old. Don’t be silly.”

“You’re just sweet. Um, Cody, your father called.”

“Yeah, how is he?”

“Fine it seems. I’m afraid he’s a bit upset because you haven’t called or written. His birthday was last Friday.”

“I’m just working hard here at university, Mom. I sometimes forget to do things.”

“Well, I don’t think we should be forgetting birthdays in the family. Don’t you think you should call him soon?”

“Family? What family? You and dad have been divorced for years.”

“Your dad’s still your dad, Cody. I’m still your mom. Am I right?”

“Technically, Mom. Technically you’re right about dad. I’ll have to think about it. I just don’t feel like talking to him that often.”

“Why Cody! And may I ask why?”

“Oh, you know how dad is. He’s difficult.”

“Has he said something to hurt you Cody?”

“It’s not that. It’s just…well, dad’s a shit. You know it.”

“Now why do you say that Cody? It isn’t very nice, is it?”

“C’mon, Mom. This is my mom, isn’t it? You must’ve told us kids dad was a shit a thousand times.”