Tuesday 11:37 P.M.

Hello?

Hi, it’s me. Did I wake you?

Nah, I was lying in bed reading. Are you okay?

Yeah… sure…

Wrong answer, try again.

I hate it when you do that.

No you don’t. You wouldn’t be calling this late unless something was troubling you. We could dance around or we could just cut to the chase. And you know which option you’re going to get from me. What’s wrong?

Nothing…everything…hell, I don’t know. I can’t seem to do anything right lately…everybody’s disappointed with me and half the time I haven’t the slightest idea why…

Well you called me…there’s something you’ve done right. And I’m not disappointed with you so you’re pretty much ahead of the game right there.

Hm. Yeah. Well, I was listening to that song…the one we decided was our song…

Kathy Mattea…yeah…

…yeah, I was listening to that song…over and over…and I kept thinking about you…

And so you finally decided to stop thinking and start talking. Good call.

Thanks.

Seriously, I am the best friend you have ever had…probably the best friend you will EVER have…I should always be your first call when you’re feeling blue.

I’ll keep that in mind.

Good, I don’t want to have to keep drumming that into your thick skull, it’s very exhausting. So, feeling better yet?

Oddly enough, I am. It’s starting to feel foolish to be moping about the things I’ve been moping about.

It should…self-pity is always foolish.

So glib and yet I love you anyway.

You can’t help yourself. I’m downright adorable…how could you not love me?

How indeed? “When the world outside my window goes insane, you’re here to remind me…

…a few good things remain.” Damn straight. You can still carry a tune, kiddo, so it’s not all bad…

Well, there’s that.

Look, you want to come over? I’ve got cocoa and graham crackers.

No, it’s late…and you have to be up earlier than I do…but thank you. Seriously, I really do love you.

Seriously, I really do know that. And despite the fact that you’re a part-time basket case, I love you too.

Well, there’s that then.

Yep, there’s that.

I’ll call you tomorrow. Good night, you.

Good night, you.

* * * * *

lyric excerpt:
"A Few Good Things Remain"
words & music by Jon Vezner & Pat Alger
as performed by Kathy Mattea (see below)