Her Dad’s Last Phone Call

"I miss you, Daddy! When are you comin' home?"

"Soon, Emily, I'll be home soon. Please, don't worry."

"I'm not worried!"

"Okay, my little M&M. How's Mom? Is there anything she's not telling me?"

"She's worried, Daddy. I can see it."

"I know, honey. It's just...complicated. Are you being good though? Helping out?"

"Yes! Today, I helped Mom with the dishes! And, after, we got ice cream!"

"Your day sounds better than mine."

"But aren't you in that desert place? Af, Af-gan-stand?"

"It's Afghanistan silly, but yes. It's a desert, but not very much fun. And before you ask-there's no tumbleweeds, I already looked for you."

"Aww, why not? I wanted one."

"Hey, sorry, Emily, but Daddy has to go. The other guys need a turn on the phone. I'll talk to you soon though, tell Mom I'll call her as soon as I can."

"Okay, Daddy, I miss you."

"Goodbye."

"Bye!"

"One last thing, M&M."

"Mhm?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, Daddy. Can you please hurry home? Mom looks really sad."

"I promise."