“Only a call away”

“Thanks again.”

I hung up the pay phone and took a deep breath. Watching the family at the grocery store across the street. A man was holding hands with two young boys, clearly his sons, while a woman pushed a cat behind them. Through the glass I saw them pick up an orange, a kiwi, something I couldn’t make out, and then disssapear into the aisle, all smiles. We used to be happy like that, too. Before the chaos of life, we used to grocery shop together as if it were some fantastical experience. Just being human together.

“Excuse me? Are you done?” Heavy hands banged on the phone booth.

“Sorry,” I said, taking one last look at the red phone and exiting.

By the time I got home, the hit would already be done.