I don't know why I'm writing. I don't know anything. I don't own anything either.
Her thoughts roll around her brain, endlessly. The night is slipping through her fingers like sand. She knows the only way she'll sleep is if she talks to him. So, she grabs her phone and presses Speed Dial 1.
"Cindy, why are you calling me at this hour? Don't you have a big court appearance tomorrow?" Jimmy asks.
"You know, Neutron, it's generally considered good manners to at least say hello to your girlfriend."
Jimmy lightly chuckles on the other end. "Hello. Why are you up?"
"I can't sleep, and I know you never sleep, so don't even think about scolding me."
"That's fair."
"What are you doing?"
"At the moment, I'm recalibrating the turbo thrusters on my jet pack," he replies. "Are you nervous about tomorrow?"
"We have a solid case. I don't know why I'm worried about it," she adds.
"You've been preparing for months, Cindy. You'll win."
"Thanks."
"Of course."
"How is work going?" She asks.
"My client is anxious to get these latest models," he sighs. "But things are moving slowly. Sometimes, I wish I was eleven again. I didn't have to worry about eating or rent. Being an adult sucks."
"It does. But you can tell that guy your inventions will change his world. If he's not willing to wait for that, he can go screw himself."
He laughs. "I wish I had your backbone, Cind. But I did tell him I would do my best."
"I suppose that means you have to go."
"Yes."
She sighs, rolling over onto her side. Her fingers grasp empty sheets. Her heart tightens, and her stomach grows heavy with sorrow. "Do you know how much I miss you?"
"I miss you too."
She feels the tears prickling in the corner of her eyes, and she doesn't try to fight them. "I wish you could be there tomorrow."
"Me too."
She sighs, wiping the tears from her cheeks, rubbing a bit harder than she needs to. "I imagine you here with me at night, you know."
"Oh?" She hears his voice catch.
"Not like that, pervert. Although I do admit sometimes, I let myself enjoy a good fantasy or two. But mostly, I imagine you sleeping with me- just sharing space."
"Cindy," his voice wavers. "I'll be back soon, I promise."
"I know."
"Hey, Jimmy? Will you stay on the line until I fall asleep?"
"I can do that," he sniffles.
She plugs in her phone, and she closes her eyes. She lets herself imagine him lying next to her. His warm body a small comfort in the winter chill. The rough stubble on his jaw brushing against her cheek. His soft laughter would fill up the cracks in her heart like glue.
Her last thought is that distance feels like space- cold, vast, and never-ending.
Then she falls into a dreamless sleep.