Many of us know what its like to get that phone call in the middle of the night. The call this mother received was no different…
“Jerking up to the ringing summons, I focused on the red illuminated numbers of my clock. Midnight. Panicky thoughts filled my sleep-dazed mind as I grabbed the receiver. Hello?
My heart pounded; I gripped the phone tighter and eyed my husband, who was now turning to face my side of the bed.
Mama?
I could hardly hear the whisper over the static. But my thoughts immediately went to my daughter. When the desperate sound of a young crying voice became clearer on the line, I grabbed for my husband and squeezed his wrist.
Mama, I know its late, but dontdont say anything, until I finish. And before you ask, yes, Ive been drinking. I nearly ran off the road a few miles back and
I drew in a sharp shallow breath, released my husband and pressed my hand against my forehead. Sleep still fogged my mind, and I attempted to fight back the panic. Something wasnt right.
And I got so scared. All I could think about was how it would hurt you if a policeman came to your door and said Id been killed. I wantto come home. I know running away was wrong. I know youve been worried sick. I should have called you days ago, but I was afraidafraid
Sobs of deep-felt emotion flowed from the receiver and poured into my heart. Immediately I pictured my daughters face in my mind and my fogged senses seemed to clear. I think
No! Please let me finish! Please!
She pleaded, not so much in anger but in desperation. I paused and tried to think of what to say. Before I could go on, she continued,
Im pregnant, Mama. I know I shouldnt be drinking now especially now, but Im scared, Mama, so scared!
The voice broke again and I bit into my lip feeling my own eyes fill with moisture. I looked at my husband who sat silently mouthing, Who is it?
I shook my head and when I didnt answer, he jumped up and left the room, returning seconds later with the portable phone held to his ear. She must have heard the click in the line because she continued,
Are you still there? Please dont hang up on me! I need you. I feel so alone.
I clutched the phone and stared at my husband, seeking guidance. Im here, I wouldnt hang up, I said.
I know I should have told you, Mama. But when we talk, you just keep telling me what I should do. You read all those pamphlets on how to talk about sex and all, but all you do is talk. You dont listen to me. You never let me tell you how I feel. It is as filmy feelings arent important. Because youre my mother, you think you have all the answers. But sometimes I dont need answers. I just want someone to listen.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and stared at the how-to-talk- to-your-kids pamphlets scattered on my nightstand. Im listening, I whispered.
You know, back there on the road, after I got the car under control, I started thinking about the baby and taking care of it. Then I saw this phone booth and it was as if I could hear you preaching about people shouldnt drink and drive. So I called a taxi. I want to come home.
Thats good, Honey, I said as relief filled my chest. My husband came closer, sat down beside me and laced his fingers through mine. I knew from his touch that he thought I was doing and saying the right thing.
But you know, I think I can drive now.
No! I snapped. My muscles stiffened, and I tightened the clasp on my husbands hand. Please, wait for the taxi. Dont hang up on me until the taxi gets there.
I just want to come home, Mama.
I know. But do this for your mama. Wait for the taxi, please. I listened to the silence in fear. When I didnt hear her answer, I bit into my lip and closed my eyes. Somehow I had to stop her from driving.
Theres the taxi, now.
Only when I heard someone in the background asking about a Yellow Cab did I feel my tension easing.
Im coming home, Mama.”
There was a click and the phone went silent. Moving from the bed with tears forming in my eyes, I walked out into the hall and went to stand in my sixteen-year-old daughters room. The dark silence hung thick. My husband came from behind, wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on the top of my head. I wiped the tears from my cheeks.
We have to learn to listen, I said.
He pulled me around to face him. Well learn. Youll see.
Then he took me into his arms and I buried my head in his shoulder. I let him hold me for several moments, then I pulled back and stared back at the bed. He studied me for a second, then asked, Do you think shell ever know she dialed the wrong number?
I looked at our sleeping daughter, then back at him. Maybe it wasnt such a wrong number.
Mom, Dad, what are you doing? The muffled young voice came from under the covers.
I walked over to my daughter, who now sat up staring into the darkness.
Were practicing, I answered.
Practicing what? she mumbled and laid back on the mattress, her eyes already closed in slumber.
“Listening, I whispered, and brushed a hand over her cheek.”
Story by Johnny Silvas. Source: 1