Editing Character Vignettes (section)

=='''Wish You Were Here'''==

Simon knew he shouldn't. He'd promised, after all. But he just couldn't help himself. He'd picked up the phone and was dialing before the guilt even really hit him.
 
Simon listened to the phone ring. She'd probably angry, or at least annoyed. She might not even answer the phone.
 
Simon heard the phone pick up on the other end, and then a sigh.
 
"You promised you'd wait."
 
"I know."
 
"I've been gone all of three hours."
 
"I know. How are you doing?"
 
"I'm fine."
 
"How's Paris?"
 
She paused for a second. "It's nice. Simon, you're-"
 
"Being really clingy, I know."
 
She sighed. "And shamelessly, as usual."
 
"I'm just worried about you."
 
"I know, Simon."
 
"Look, I'm sorry I bothered you."
 
"It's alright. Goodbye, Simon."
 
"Hey, sis?"
 
"Yeah?"
 
"Wish you were here, sis."
 
She hung up. Simon set the phone down and sat back in his chair. ''Am I really that bad? I just...''
Simon looked over at his father, sitting at the living room desk. ''It's supposed to be one of the worst things that can happen to a couple. And they don't care. They just accept it and move on. They never tried to prevent it or fix it or anything. It's like they don't miss it at all.
 
If they could lose that, why couldn't they lose their love for us? Their love for her? Couldn't they just wake up one day, realize that they don't give a damn about their own children, and just accept it?
 
Well, I'm never going to be like that. That's why I bother you so much, sis. Because I love you. And you need to know that. And I'm going to try to make sure nobody ever hurts you. Because what our parents have done... what our parents could do, that's worse than you ever deserve.
'' 
''So, please, sis, tolerate me.'' 
 
Simon's father cleared his throat. "You shouldn't pester your sister so much. She's not that little anymore."
 
"I know, dad."
 
Simon got up. "I'm going to step out for a bit of fresh air."
 
His father looked up from his work. "A bit late for a walk."
 
"Don't worry, I'll be careful." ''I think it's a lovely evening to put on the ritz..''