On Hold

An unexpected phone call several months ago,
one we didn’t know would be our last.
Smiles wide enough to hear
in our childish whispers,
afraid to be caught up past our bedtime.
We didn’t need ‘sorry’.
We needed coffee and sliders at The Well & Bucket.
We needed the flower market.
We needed just one more summer Sunday ice cream
from the van on Brick Lane.
Maybe next time?

“I love you, habibi.”
“I love you too, sleep well.”