Before we sleep.

i am the last person you think of before you go to sleep
you close your eyes and try not to say my name
you smile, then regret.
you hold your phone to your chest,
debate & dial.
i answer.
you stay quiet and I'll repeat my greeting.
you hesitate and say hello.
i laugh when you stutter and you tell me to shut up.
then there's silence.
I'll ask why you called
and before you answer,
i think of the real reason you called.
but you surprise me.
you tell the truth.
i laugh.
and we fall asleep on the line.
you were the last person i thought of before i went to sleep.