“I’m fine, Mother . . . I’m fine, thanks. And you?”
(. . .)
“Oh, work is fine . . . Yes. I’m still happy there . . . Good colleagues, yes. And it’s always interesting. Well, most of the time, at least . . . Ah ah ah! What?”
(. . .)
“What?”
(. . .)
“No, no girlfriend yet, Mother. Sorry . . . Ah ah ah! Don’t worry, I’m sure I will find somebody . . . It’s just a question of finding the time . . .”
(. . .)
“Yes, I’m very busy. But I like it like that . . .”
(. . .)
“I know, Mother, I know. And how are you? How is New Babylon treating you? And how is Albert? Still playing bridge? . . .”
After the phone call Terrence took a long hot shower. It was always so stressing to talk to Mom. It felt like his loneliness was suddenly exposed and had become an enemy.