Bruno, Speaking with Home (Bruno Part 7)

_"Ahh, there's my guy. It's good to hear your voice, Bruno."_ Jack's tone was stern but understanding.

Bruno's mind was scrambled eggs. _"Hey Jack,"_ he said again.

_"Your mama misses you,_ ma biche."

_"I know, Jack. I oughta call her, huh?"_

_"Yes. She's worried sick."_

_"How's Rose doin'?"_ Bruno thought of the 7 year old girl Jack was fostering now often. She had a soul of hot cocoa and it haunted Bruno's dreams.

_"She misses you too. You give the best piggyback rides in the world, she says."_

Bruno half smiled, half choked. That girl and Jack and Louisiana...

_"Bruno, why are you gone?"_

Jack was breathing heavily, his heartbreak baking like bread, crust cracking in his voice.

_"Jack...I told ya, I'm seein' a doctor."_

_"In another state? Without a goodbye?"_

_"There's a specialist here, Jack. Gonna help me figure out my mind."_

_"...why didn't you tell me you were struggling so much, Bruno?"_

_"Jack, I wake up shakin' sometimes wishin' I was a mommy. A mommy...who holds and feeds..."_