“I just went by your house, Jack, and you weren’t there. I knocked three times and then on the way down the steps, I tripped and almost fell completely over — but I didn’t. I caught myself mid-fall and I think this is the problem with everything. I feel like none of the words are really coming out the way I want to say them… but Jack…

[silence]

Hey, do you remember when we were sixteen? I was reading that book about the boy who’s always wearing that hunting cap? Well, it didn’t make sense then, but I realize now that worrying that you’ll disappear each time you cross the street is a real fear. Remember when I was sixteen and you were twenty-six, Jack? And I was reading that book that most people know the name of but won’t recognize simply from that detail of being afraid of disapearing every time you cross the street. I’m afraid of it now. The whole way home I was afraid. But it was okay each time I made it across. I knew I existed then. Now I’m standing in the middle of the street calling you and I’m not so sure anymore…

[silence]

Did you think I disappeared?

[laughter]

I feel like I’m living my life so far away from you, Jack. That’s a lie. Because you live on the corner of this street. You live on the corner of every street and I can come see you whenever I want, but still, I feel like I’m not living alongside you. I have this fear that you’ll be gone soon. What if I just wake up one day and I’ve killed you? My hands will be all bloody-red and — or no, maybe just the skin will be shriveled because I’ll have drowned you. What if I have to wake up without you one day? Or worse, what if I wake up and I don’t remember you at all. It’s possible that you could be lifted right out of me, Jack. And maybe that’s what I’m really afraid of when I cross the street. Maybe I’m just really worried that once I make it to the other side, you’ll be gone.

[silence]

Anyway, I think you should call me. I really think you should call me back. It’s funny because I don’t think you will. I feel like I’ve been talking so long that I’ve recorded my message away into thin air. Will you call me if I tell you that I’ll disappear if you don’t? I’ll disappear, Jack.”