243: Ready

I call my mother.

I'm in bed now. I had something to eat, took a quick shower, and now I'm holding the phone to my ear with my heart in my throat. It rings for a couple of seconds before she picks up. "Amelia," is all she says.

I lick my lips. "Hi, mom."

She's silent for a beat, then asks, "You don't sound too good. Your voice is hoarse. How are you holding up? Don't tell me you're sick."

I clear my throat. "I'm fine, I'm just tired. How are you?"

"Anxious to leave this place," she sighs on the phone. "I don't like this city, I've told you this before. But I'm going to stay here for as long as you need me. It's Damien you want to talk to, isn't it?"

"Is he next to you?" I ask.

"He's right here," she says. "I'll give you two some privacy."

I hear movement and my heart beats a little faster. I can't understand why I'm this nervous, I should be excited. I delayed this moment purposely because I was avoiding this conversation. That makes me a terrible wife, I would say. I've basically bee