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Eleni A couple days later, I close one of my assigned readings and check the time. Too early for lunch. Too late to start something new. I glance at my phone, sitting on the couch next to me in the living room. I’ve been missing Mama a lot lately. Maybe… Maybe one call won’t hurt. I’m dialing almost before I finish the thought. My heart hammers. What am I going to tell her if she asks about Christos? Or Dante? She picks up after a few rings. “Hello? Who is—” “Mama!” I squeal. “Zouzouni?” she asks disbelievingly. “I thought—I mean, I feared—” “I’m all right, Mama,” I say. “Safe and sound.” Her broken sob crackles through the phone. “Why did you not call sooner? Oh, I was so worried.” “I’m sorry, Mama.” Tears sting my own eyes, and I wish she was here to hug. “It wasn’t safe.” “To c