ALEX.
I didn’t realize how much I had missed his voice until I heard it again over the phone.
The phone rested against my ear, warm from my palm, and Derek’s familiar tone flowed through it like something practiced and gentle. I leaned back against the kitchen counter, my eyes unfocused, listening—not just to the words, but to the calm they carried.
“Hey,” he said softly. “I was hoping you would pick up.”
“I almost didn’t,” I admitted, a faint smile tugging at my lips. “But… I’m glad I did.”
“And I’m glad you did too,” he replied. “You sound tired.”
There was no accusation in his voice. No impatience. Just concern.
“I guess I am,” I said, exhaling. “It’s been a long day.”
The kids were nearby, sprawled across the living room floor with their coloring books and half-finished puzzles
