Mark dialed the number slowly.

"Hello?" a warm, though high-pitched voice said.

"Hi, Mom."

"Mark! Oh, it's so nice to hear from you! How are you? Are you doing okay? Did you finish a film yet? When are you coming home? Do you want to come visit this weekend?"

"Mom, Mom, slow down. I'm okay. Still working on the film and not sure when I'll be home. How are you?"

"Good. I'm doing good. Your father's good. Cindy's good. The kids are getting so big, Marky! You wouldn't believe it! Oh, but I'm rambling. What have you been up to?"

"Oh, not much. Just filming."

"How's Maureen?"

"She's…she's good."

"Oh, good. And how's Roger? Is he still with that girl? Amy?"

"April, Mom. Her name was April."

"Was?"

"She, uh, she passed away," he said, hoping she wouldn't ask for details.

"How's Roger? Is he okay?"

"He's okay. Upset, but okay."

"Well naturally. You poor kids….is there anything at all I can do for you?"

"Actually, that's sort of why I was calling. April didn't have any family so we had to pay for the burial and now, um, now we don't have the money for the rent."

"How much is it?"

Mark hated lying to his mother. "Four hundred."

"Well then it's a good thing your father's a lawyer. I'll wire the money this afternoon. Is four hundred enough? Do you need money for food or anything?"

"No, that's fine. And thanks, Mom, we all really appreciate it so much."

"Oh, think nothing of it. It's no trouble at all."

"Thanks."

"Well, honey, I have to be going. I told Mrs. Himmelfarb that I'd meet her for lunch. You remember Nanette, don't you?"

"Oh yeah. How's Nanette doing these days?"

"Terrific! She just got married and they just found out she's expecting!"

"Well, congratulate her and Mrs. Himmelfarb for me, will you?"

"Oh of course. But I really do have to get going. I'll send the money after lunch."

"All right. And thanks again, Mom."

"You're very welcome. I love you, Marky."

"Love you too, Mom."

Click.

He sighed and rubbed his forehead. Never had Mark successfully lied to his mother. First time for everything, he thought. Under normal circumstances, Mark would've crumbled under the guilt and told her why he really wanted the money. Roger needed that medicine. Still, his mother might not lend him the money for that. Mark had overheard her once say that people who contracted the virus deserved it, that it was their own fault for being sinful. She didn't know Collins had AIDS. That was the last time Mark visited.