To: maxmorrison@gilmoreproducts.net
From: kcgilmore@gilmoreproducts.net
Subject: Sorry I had to leave...
but duty called.
Dear Max,
I really wish we’d have had more time to talk today. I’m glad (relieved) I could make certain you’re feeling okay. I’ve never been so flustered and out of sorts before. Not being able to contact you is one of my nightmares!
We’re finally finished now, and it’s too late to call you. (Everyone here is asleep, so I won’t be able to use the phone!) You and Ryan are probably sleeping anyway, and I’m ready for bed soon. I’ve showered and now I’m sending you a quick e-mail before I go to sleep.
It was a long day today. I worked in the lab in the morning, and then tended to patients all afternoon. Thought we were finished, and then more wounded came in, so a fourteen or fifteen hour day, in the heat. I’m dragging now.
Just wanted to send a quick email to let you know I wish we could have talked longer. I’ll try to call tomorrow, but someone said they heard rumors of another wave of wounded. I’m not surprised, but hoped for more time. One of the other Field Units had some problems, so we’re getting their patients. And no extra medical personnel to help with them.
But, they’d do the same for us. They’re closer to a nasty rebel faction, which probably accounts for some of the trouble they’re having. Nonetheless, we’re extra busy here. The lab is suddenly overflowing with work, plus as a doctor, I’m already busy, without the responsibilities of the lab too. I have asked for and will hopefully receive someone to help with lab duties.
My eyes keep drooping, so I need to go. Mornings come fast here, just like at home. Never mind, it’s already morning. Dawn is around the corner.
I miss and love you both,
KC
P.S. Has Rocky had the puppies yet?
*****
Max read through her latest email, thankful she’d been as reluctant to end the conversation as he, apparently. That helped to shatter the remnants of the negative thoughts Lainy accused him of. KC was just really busy and had needed to go when the wounded came in. He was old enough to understand her work came first out of necessity.
He didn’t have to like the situation though. Max selfishly wanted all of her time, like he had before she’d been called up. Now that he had to share KC, he wasn’t happy about the circumstances. Other people had more demand on her time than he did.
But she would only be gone for less than seven months, hopefully. Heaven help him if she was there longer.
To: KCGilmore@gilmoreproducts.net
From: MaxMorrison@gilmoreproducts.net
Subject: Wish we could have talked longer too.
But I understand your work is important. That’s not saying I like it, but I understand.
Hey KC,
I guess you wouldn’t mind if I told you how much I’m missing you? Seems so strange to see your office vacant and your room empty at the house. Definitely a dearth here without you. I never imagined this separation would be so hard. You’re such a large part of my life, and now you’re thousands of miles away. I think the only thing that’s kept me sane is that I have Ryan.
I’d definitely go crazy without him and Spuds is funny. We’re having a good time together; even sick, but the boys also miss you. You’re too far away, for too long. Ryan is doing much better with you being gone than I am. How is that?
He called me Dad last night. Before he went to sleep, I asked him to have good dreams and he said, “Okay, Dad.” I’ll be honest to say I had to wipe a few tears away. I’ve always been Uncle Max, but hearing him call me that...
Do you mind? If you do, I’ll ask him to call me Max again, because he called me Dad this morning too.
I’m supposed to be in a meeting. Which, being sick is going to be problematic, but I think they’re planning to conference call me. We’ve decided to go with another needle supplier as Sara and I didn’t agree with the previous company’s contract terms. I’ll send you the next contract once we finish it. But, I need to take that meeting call.
I miss you and love you,
Max
P.S. No puppies yet. We’re still waiting. Rocky’s as gentle and serene as Lainy. We’re all nervous, but she’s fine.
*****
To: maxmorrison@gilmoreproducts.net
From: kcgilmore@gilmoreproducts.net
Subject:re: Wish we could have talked longer too.
Max Michael Morrison!
Don’t you dare tell Ryan not to call you DAD! Don’t even think about it. You, of all men, deserve that title. You’ve got all the responsibility, why shouldn’t you have some of the glory too?
Right now, Ryan needs you more than I think he needs me, and whenever I think of the male equivalent of me, you come to mind. So, you’ve always had the title, but never heard the words until now. I’m personally very glad Ryan is calling you Dad, and all on his own.
He already calls your parents Granme and Granpy, right? Therefore, you’ve been Honorary Dad for as long as we’ve known you. Might as well enjoy the status.
This is all I have time for, but I needed you to know my thoughts. I have to get back to work now, though. More wounded in, for both our site and the other Field Site who is still having trouble. This means our work has more than doubled. We’re staying extra busy! Everyone is exhausted, and the heat index is really high and a sandstorm is expected.
I probably won’t be able to call. It’s too busy here and I’m afraid this phone frequency might mess up our equipment. If we’re not full, calling shouldn’t be a problem, but with so many to care for, and all the necessary machines, I can’t risk using the phone.
Love,
KC
Max smiled when he read through KC’s message. So, she pretty much demanded he remain Ryan’s dad. Having this precious email from her helped to cement his thoughts about her feelings. She hadn’t come out and told him, but she’d just made him her partner in child rearing. That had to count, right?