HENDRICKS: Whatever I’ve done, I’m sorry, Story.
What’s left of my belly churns. This is worse than I thought it would be. I glance up at Clementine, and her eyes are as wide as mine.
“It’s okay, keep going.”
HENDRICKS: It’s official.
HENDRICKS: The paternity test came back today, and I’m going to be a dad.
HENDRICKS: Fuck.
HENDRICKS: I’m scared.
HENDRICKS: I miss you, please call me back. Please let me know you’re okay.
HENDRICKS: I saw your dad today, he says you’re settling in and you have a job teaching.
HENDRICKS: Proud of you, Stor.
HENDRICKS: So Miles hates Sienna.
It’s weak, but for the first time, I laugh because of course Miles does. Clementine leans over to read the screen better and scoffs when she gets to the message.
“Yeah, he really did, and he tried to like her, which issonot Miles. But she was awful. I only met her a couple of times too, which tells you everything you need to know.”
I don’t know why, but the fact Miles tried to like her makes me really sad.
HENDRICKS: Apparently, the weather in Sydney has been a scorcher today. It’s getting cold here.
HENDRICKS: I saw Eddie today, and he told me to say hi. So, hi. Claudia said flapjack takings are down ha ha. As I don’t actually know, I said you were lying on the beach every day, wrestling crocodiles and kangaroos. Whatever you’re doing, I hope it’s fun.
HENDRICKS: I went to the ultrasound appointment today. We’re having a boy. I’m going to be a dad. I miss you. I wish you were here. Please call me, Story, please. I’m begging.
HENDRICKS: I fucked things up so badly. I’m so sorry, Stor.
HENDRICKS: Happy Birthday, Storyteller.
HENDRICKS: I don’t want to be a shit dad. I’m so scared I’m going to fuck up. I wish my dad was here.
HENDRICKS: I don’t think it’s going to work out withSienna.
HENDRICKS: *photo*
HENDRICKS: Story, meet my son, Max. He’s perfect. I’m so in love with him. I wish you were here. I wish he could meet my best friend.
HENDRICKS: You’re still my best friend, Stor.
All the emotions I’ve tried to keep at bay pour out in a loud, chesty sob. He’s so cute and tiny. It’s followed by pictures of Hendricks holding Max, Miles and Clementine holding Max, Max and the dogs. And it hurts, the pain of seeing everything I missed is more acute than I expected it to be.
Clementine’s hand covers mine. “I’m sorry, Story. It must be hard seeing all this.”
“I tried to block it all out, you know—” I ease a dry wet wipe from the packet and blow my nose.
“It doesn’t work,” she finishes for me.
HENDRICKS: Happy Birthday, Storyteller.
HENDRICKS: Max is teething, it’s brutal. On the plus side, I seem to have moved my sleep schedule to match your time zone.
