Mother's voice on the phone. She uses her favorite endearment.

        I ask how she is. Oh, fine, she says. I'm not disturbing you? And she talks about the constant rain. I half listen, writing the day's errands on an envelope, my shoulder clamping the receiver, till I notice an inflection to her speech.

        Excuse me, I say, interrupting her. But who are you looking for?

        Seconds pass. Her voice is thin. Why, I'm looking for you! I'm talking to you, aren't I?

        But, I insist, who am I?

        She starts screaming. Margaret! You're Margaret!

from All of Us (White Pine Press, 2011).