"What is it?", you pick up the phone, as if you don't know what I'm going to say. Like it's the first time. As if I haven't called you almost every night before with the same problem.
"Insomnia", I lie. A shameless lie, and you know it. I'm on the edge of our world and the kingdom of Morpheus, but I still pretend to be awake just to talk. It's a hopeless move, you'll leave me in 20 minutes anyway, but in my head it's worth it. Every single time.
"Little liar", you easily see through my worthless bluff, and I wasn't even trying. "Either stop lying to me, or come up with something new, I'm already tired of it".
"Okay. I can't fall asleep without your soothing voice", I finally decide to tell the truth. A desperate move, but right now, I think it's worth it. Whether you believe me or not is not up to me. After all this time, I should have laid all my cards on the table.
"Hm… I understand", what exactly do you understand? Right now, I'd give anything to know what you're thinking. "Okay then…", you give in. This should probably give me hope, but the knot in my stomach tightens faster.
"How was your day?", that's unexpected. You usually don't ask about my life, I just tell you everything. It's not that your initiative isn't inspiring, but I was really giving up on it.
"Fine. Like any other day, really", it's confusing. Although, lately, I really haven't known what to say, we've been hanging on the phone more than talking in real life.
" «Fine»? Is that all you can give? You usually chatter nonstop until you fall asleep", good news, you notice. "And that's really sweet", no. It's sweet that you to tell me.
"I don't know what to say, honestly", I'm lying again, but I don't want to drag you into my emotional rollercoaster any more than I already have.
"Really?", I don't know if you're asking this out of politeness, or if you're genuinely worried, but it's just too much.
"I'm tired… of everything. Of you, too, I guess. Not that you're annoying, not at all, but that's what's tiring. I don't know how to explain it…"
"No need. I get it. I always have", this surprises me. "Sorry. I'll try to be a little more involved, okay?", thank you. You have no idea how much that simple promise means to me.
"Okay. Thank you. For being there. For being willing to listen, despite the nonsense I sometimes spout."
"Don't worry. I'm here."
