I smiled.
“It’s good to hear your lovely voice too, sweetie.”
She managed a tired laugh.
“Thanks.”
I sighed, remembering why I’d called her.
“Rose?”
“Yea?”
“Ya know… today’s probably the last time we’ll see each other in who knows how long…”
“Oh Tyler…”

I tried to think of something to say, anything to make it seem better. But no words came, for the thought of leaving Rose occupied my thoughts. We sat in silence for a while, and twice I nearly nodded off.

“There has to be a way…” I said finally.
Rose yawned.
“A way to what?”
I sighed, rolling my eyes.
“For us to see each other more, silly.”
“Well, neither of us can drive, and I don’t think our parents would let us stay with each other in Georgia or West Virginia…”
I sighed again, trying to think.
“We’ll figure something out, we have to…”
I heard my parents moving around in the other room; they were always early risers.
“We’ll talk when I see you, ok? I’ve gotta go now, love you.”
“Love you too…”
“Bye.”