I GET HOME. Everything normal happens. I say hello to Nick and Charlie. I turn on my laptop. I put a film on. And then I do something weird.
I call Michael.
16:49 p.m.
Outgoing Call
M: Hello?
T: Hi. It’s Tori.
M: Tori? Really? You called me again? That’s twice in a fortnight. You do not strike me as one who enjoys making phone calls.
T: Believe me. I’m not.
M:
T: I overreacted. I’m the one who has to say sorry. I called to say sorry.
M:
T:
M: I’m sorry too. I don’t think you’re a psychopath.
T: Don’t you? It’s a valid assumption.
M: I don’t even know why we need to apologize to each other. I can’t even remember what we’re arguing about. I don’t even think we did argue.
T: Are you in denial?
M: Are you?
T: What does that mean?
M: I don’t know.
T: I’m just sorry I snapped at you.
M:
T: I do want to be friends with you. Can . . . can we . . .
M: We’re already friends, Tori. You don’t need to ask. We’re already friends.
T:
M: Is Charlie all right?
T: He’s all right.
M: Are you all right?
T: I’m fine.
M:
T:
M: I see Becky and Ben are pretty snug together.
T: Oh yeah, they’re practically conjoined. She’s really happy.
M: Are you happy?
T: What?
M: Are you happy?
T: Yeah, I’m happy for her. I’m happy for her. She’s my best friend. I’m really happy for her.
M: That’s not what I asked.
T: I don’t get it.
M:
T:
M: Will you still come to the Solitaire meet-up with me on Saturday?
T:
M: I don’t want to go alone.
T: Yeah.
M: You’ll come?
T: Yes.
M:
T: Why can I hear wind? Where are you?
M: I’m at the rink.
T: The ice rink?
M: Do you know any other rinks?
T: You’re on the phone and skating at the same time.
M: Men can multitask too, you know. Where are you?
T: Obviously at home.
M: Such a loser.
T: What’s that music that’s playing?
M:
T: That’s film music, isn’t it?
M: Is it?
T: It’s from Gladiator. It’s called “Now We Are Free.”
M:
T:
M: Your film knowledge is simply magical.
T: Magical?
M: You’re magical, Tori.
T: You’re the one who can ice-skate. That’s the closest thing to flying a human can do without a vehicle.
M:
T: You can fly, Michael.
M:
T: What?
M: I can fly.
T: You can fly.
M: No one’s ever . . .
T:
M: I’d better meet you at Hogwarts then.
T: Or Neverland.
M: Or both.
T: Or both.
