Silence Speaks Volumes

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Stella phoned.”

“Don’t be stupid.”

“I’m telling you, Stella phoned. Again.”

“What do you mean, again?”

“It’s the third time this week.”

“What did she say?”

“Nothing.”

“What?”

“Nothing. She said nothing. That’s how I knew it was her.”

“Must have been a wrong number.”

“It wasn’t. I know it wasn’t.”

“So you think that every time the phone rings and there’s no one there, that it was… You think it was…”

“You can’t even say her name, can you?”

“Of course I can.”

“Say it then.”

“This is stupid. I don’t want to discuss it.”

“Discuss? Did you say discuss? You never mention her.”

“And you never stop.”

“I would if she’d quit phoning here.”

“I told you. It was most probably a wrong number.”

“It wasn’t.”

“You can tell that from silence, can you?”

“Shall I tell you how I know it’s her?”

“No.”

“I keep quiet. So does she, hoping to hear your voice.”

“I’ve told you, it’s over. Please let it rest. I made a mistake and I’m sorry.”

“How can I believe it’s over when she keeps calling? Ah, there’s the phone. Do you want to answer it, or shall I?”