Page 65 of Symphony of Salvation

“Try forty-four. Where’s Constance?”

“At home hating me. She didn’t want to come. We were supposed to get Christmas decorations for the house and do some shopping, but hanging out with her dad is akin to scaphism.”

“I don’t know what that is.”

“It’s an ancient Persian torture technique. Truly terrifying. Look it up.”

“I think I’ll pass.” The smile in his tone was evident. “She’s a teenager, Auggie. I’ve told you. You can’t take any of this personally.”

Auggie.I closed my eyes, swept away by a cascading waterfall of singing clarinets. “I’m trying not to.”

“I’d invite you to join me at my parents’, but… Yeah… Please refer to the beginning of this conversation.”

“I’ll pass. You didn’t exactly sell it.”

“No. I wasn’t trying to.” A tension-filled silence engulfed the line. “I’m glad you texted.”

“Me too.” I wanted to see him. I wanted to revisit our moment in the auditorium, only slower.

“I’m going to have to let you go soon,” Niles said. “I’m almost at my destination. Trust me, I’d rather talk for the rest of the day than do this. Pray for me.”

It was my turn to laugh. “You’ll survive. Can I ask a question?”

“Go for it.”

“What does a fourteen-year-old girl want for Christmas?”

“Hmm… What kind of things does she like?”

“Music.”

Niles dramatically sighed. “I know that. Outside of music.”

“Oh. I don’t know. Reading maybe? She might only be doing it for class. I can’t be sure.”

“Does she have her ears pierced?”

“I… umm… I’m not… I’ve never noticed.”

“You’re hopeless.”

We both laughed when I agreed.

“Never mind. There’s an artsy gift shop called Kathleen’s Creations. I can’t remember what street it’s on, but you can ask around or look it up. She sells necklace charms and earrings. All of it’s homemade. She has a selection of musical instruments. Really beautiful. I was shopping for my niece earlier this week, and they caught my eye. I know there was a piano, and I’m sure there was a violin. You could get her a charm bracelet or a necklace.”

I liked the idea. Constance would too. “Thanks, Niles.”

“And as backup, get her a gift card for the movies. There’s a cinema where the teens like to go. She’s made some friends. Matinees are always fun.”

“I’ll do that.”

Getting off the phone proved difficult. We found more things to chat about. Less serious things. But before long, Niles arrived at his parents’, and we said goodbye.

“Good luck,” I said.

“I’ll survive. I always do.”

Chapter fifteen

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