The phone was ringing inside the phone box as Lisa walked past.
Nine months had passed since her mother died. Walking had become her way to cope.
The first months were the worst. Her very soul shivered. With grief, regret, sadness and with the damp cold of winter.
She bundled in layers and walked the country roads for hours.
At first she focused on her feet, watching them move forward as if they belonged to someone else while her mind replayed that last conversation.
Her mom had called that morning, “I’m not feeling well. Could you stop over?”
“Is it urgent?” Lisa had asked. “I’ve got a lot happening today. Could I come tomorrow?”
Her mother had yielded. She never wanted anyone to fuss over her.
She never wanted anyone to fuss over her. Lisa repeated those words in her mind. That’s why I should have listened. That’s why I should have gone.
But she hadn’t.
Instead she had found her mother the next day, dead.
So she started walking. For hours upon hours.
She thought knew these roads, but she had never noticed the phone box.
Now it was ringing. She pushed the door open and lifted the receiver.
“Hello,” she said.
“Lisa? Is that you?” It was her mother’s voice. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you that I loved you.”
“Mom? Mom?!” Lisa shouted into the receiver. “I love you, too.”
With a click the line went dead.
Lisa stood, staring and wondering at the receiver.
My Unicorn Challenge submission for this week.
This is 250 words, the limit for the challenge. It also has to be based on the photo.
I had to edit out SO MUCH to make the word count and I didn’t even finish the story in my head. I hope it makes sense.
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
I have tears and shivers. I love this very much. 😭
Aww— thank you so much. This comes from a phone call (not from my mother) that I never returned and now never have the chance.
It makes perfect sense and I loved it 💜💜💜
I think I edited over 50 words out of it! I know what I wanted it to say and I am so glad it made sense to you!
It did … My mum died in a home after having a series of strokes she needed constant nursing. I remember getting a call at work that she was fading fast. I arranged to have my neighbour to look after the boys and drove up to Hammersmith London to be by her side…. I don’t remember the drive I just know I flew up the M4 and A4 ( Great
West Road) into Central London.
Mum didn’t die that night but when she did die a few nights later I had a vivid dream that we were sat in her room and we talked for hours. Sadly we had not spoken for years as she only vaguely knew me.
I always felt I was with her in spirit when she died.
Yes I loved your story. 💜😍
So moving. Many of would love to get the chance to get that last message of love across
Like this one better than the screaming woman in labor one.
Me too!!
I love the phone call! That is often the closure we wish for and never get…
What a gift that call was….hopefully it allowed her to forgive and let go 💞💞💞