I sorted through his things one by one and shipped every last item to him.
Three days later, Robert called.
"Virginia, the luggage arrived. When's your flight?"
He hadn't even noticed. Only his belongings had arrived. Nothing of mine.
I kept my voice flat.
"Three days."
His tone brightened with excitement.
"I'll pick you up at the airport. Just send me your departure time."
"Vivian's thrilled you're coming. She's been begging for your braised ribs. Honestly, I've been craving them too."
I said nothing.
I hadn't even arrived yet, and they'd already assigned me a job.
"Virginia? Did you hear me?"
"I heard you."
"Great, it's settled then. I'll pick you up, and we'll hit the grocery store together."
I didn't respond.
But he hung up anyway.
As if my agreement was a given.
Three days later, I stood in the departure hall of Boston International Airport.
Robert sent a voice message.
"Virginia, Vivian's in the hospital. Acute gastritis. I need to stay with her."
"Why don't you just grab a cab from the airport back to the apartment."
I didn't reply.
A few minutes later, he sent another message.
"Virginia, why aren't you answering? Things are really hectic here. I can't come pick you up."
I typed three words.