"I'm leaving," I said. "Some low life planet. I've managed to convince a teaser to give me a lift."
Zaph frowned. "Again? But you just got back."
"I told you I wouldn't be here long. Listen, it was nice catching up with you, all that."
One of Zaphod's heads stared intently at his drink. The other continued to frown. "Yeah, but I thought you'd be around for longer than this. I mean, two days, Ix?"
I glared at him.
"Sorry, what's the name you're going by, now? Ford, yeah?"
"Yeah, that's the one. It's a pretty common name where I'm going."
"When're you leaving?"
"Five minutes."
"Five minutes? And you only just now tell me you're leaving? You're a cruel person, Ford." Zaphod said while his right head downed his drink.
I floundered for something to say. "I'll miss you?"
"Yeah, you say that every time you leave. And then you go and leave again. How long will you be gone?"
"A week. Two at the most. I promise."
"Alright then. Write me, yeah?"
"Sure. I'll write."
We hugged, and I dashed off to the ship. That was eleven years ago.
God damn I miss him.