[Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring].

Pause.

[Ring, ring, ring…]

“Hello.”

“Hey, Malia.  It’s Home calling.  I was just wondering when you’d be back.  It’s been a while and getting late.”

“[Sigh] I know.  I’m sorry.  I’m so sorry.  It’s true that it has been an awfully long time, but there’s still more work I need to do in the city.  I promise I will be back, though, I just need to finish up here and finish up well.  In the meantime, please send my family my love.  Tell them that I miss them.  Tell them that I think about them often.  Tell them that my love for them has indeed changed, though not in the lessening but rather in the increasing sense as a premium red wine becomes richer with age and a delightfully ornate ceramic, stronger with fire.  My love for them has indeed intensified as this family-oriented heart of mine continues to grow fonder with absence.  Tell them for me, will you?  Please and thank you.  I’d really appreciate that.”