“Who is this please?”

Silence….
then all of a sudden a billion thoughts shooting through my head….each like a tiny arrow hitting me right in the heart.

“hellooo…?”

Was this my mothers voice?
Sure, it had been many years since we’ve last exchanged words, but this did not sound like her on the other line, a voice so sweet and lively.

“Is this Jean?” I ask, knowing that it can’t be and almost with relieve I wonder if I had simply dialed the wrong number .

“NO,” says the now curious sounding voice ” I am Linda, Jean’s caretaker.” “She is taking a nap at the moment, may I ask who is calling?”

Huge arrows with the force of speers are showering upon me…

“Hello? I cannot hear you …” it sounds.

“I am …my name is…I am a family friend from a long time ago” I quickly reply.

” Is she sick?” I am wondering out loud.

“Well, I don’t know when was the last time you have seen her … I don’t remember any family friends calling since I’ve started working for her 4 years ago.
“How do you know her again?”