The call ends. Like just cuts off, like this really is the last of the messages Kyle left for me. But then I have an idea. There’s one more at least. The other option in my choose-my-own-adventure menu.
So I call back, repeat the process to gain access to the first message, and then, instead of pressing one, I press two.
Kyle comes on with a sigh. Then he laughs. “Fuck you, asshole,” he says through that laugh. “Now you’re just messing with me. Hang up the damn phone and go be with your wife and child.”
And this time, when the call drops, I don’t call back.
I just sigh as I gaze down at my son in my arms. Both Kali and the baby are sleeping and I don’t want to wake them.
So I lean down and kiss my son on the forehead and say, “Welcome to your life, Kyle.”