“I know it’s dumb, but could you stay on the phone with me again tonight?” “It’s not dumb.” I hear some shuffling and the creaking of his mattress. I close my eyes and can picture him getting settled in bed. “I just put you on speaker.” “I love you,” I tell him. “I love you too.” “Thank you.” “For what, loving you?” he asks, a small laugh in his voice. I smile—it hurts my face. “Yes.”
