Saying Goodbye

The conversation dragged on. Sports, movies, books.... We always hit on the inconsequential, but at some point during each call I have to checkin. "So how are you feeling these days? Healthy? Tired? Bored?" "A little tired, extremely bored, I think my health is pretty much the same. Anyway did I tell you about the book I'm reading?" Back to his book again. "... No Dad, which one?" My mind wanders as he unravels the plot for the third time. I questions myself silently. Should I stop him? Tell him he already told me? Express my concern? Tell him I love him? Ask about a childhood event he may soon forget? "Well, thanks for calling son. It's always nice to hear from you" "Ya, you too Pop. Let me know how the book turns out."

I hear him hang up his clunky old phone as I finish my sentence. He was never one for formal goodbyes.