Chapter 17 - The Woman on the Phone
Claire retired after thirty-one years in emergency communications.
At her retirement party, colleagues presented photographs and awards.
Then someone announced a surprise guest.
Emily entered.
Claire immediately cried.
“You keep making me cry,” she complained.
Emily hugged her.
“You started it.”
They laughed.
Later, Emily handed Claire a framed picture.
It was the childhood drawing of the dispatcher wearing a headset.
THANK YOU FOR STAYING.
Claire stared at it.
“I kept the rabbit sticker.”
“You did?”
“Of course.”
Emily smiled.
Claire looked at the young woman standing before her.
“You know, I used to wonder what happened after calls ended.”
Emily nodded.
“The call didn't end.”
Claire looked confused.
May you like
Emily touched the old drawing.
“It just became something different.”
