I have thirty minutes. I used the first 10 to push down the internal cacophony, steel my voice for the short call. My cat appears with a head butt to the side of my face as if to say I’m running out of time. I dial. The phone rings loud over the speaker and Grayson forces himself into my lap. I’m sure it’s because he thinks I’m purring. They both purr together. A soft voice answers then I’m transferred to an automated voice discussing the hospital’s new Covid-19 procedures. Limited visitation hours, select call-in times. Testing. A new voice answers, tired this time, but professional. I ask for an update. I get a lengthy reply.. She’s okay. We hang up. Grayson still purrs, I find comfort in his warm fur. My heart beat slows down. Until tomorrow.
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