Leave Your Message at the Tone

December 12th, 2025

“Hey, it’s Chrissy. I’m off living my life, leave your message after the beep and I might get back to you later. Bye!”

*BEEP*

“Hey, babe, it’s me. Just letting you know that I picked up Luca from school early today. He puked on the teacher’s shoes; I’m not sure if that’s better or worse than puking on his crush’s shoes last week but I’m telling him it’s an improvement. We’ll be stopping for ice cream on the way and then we’re going straight home and getting him to bed. So if you see his light on, tell him to go to sleep and rest, and no, I don’t think ice cream is bad for an upset tummy. It always worked wonders for me, at least on the embarrassment part that comes from puking in front of peers. Anyway, talk later. Love you!”

December 14th, 2025

“Hey, it’s Chrissy. I’m off living my life, leave your message after the beep and I might get back to you later. Bye!”

*BEEP*

“Hey, babe. Luca didn’t want to go to school this morning and what with the Christmas break starting tomorrow, I gave in. Not like he’s missing much at this age, anyway. Maybe 3+3? But I’ll get him six presents and have him add them himself. I know that, for me, that whole week before a school break passed like molasses and, if the teachers taught anything, it was in one ear, out the other. I know you were different, Miss Academic, but you’re just special in general. Anyway, just wanted to let you know why Luca’s home. See ya! Love you!"

December 16th, 2025

“Hey, it’s Chrissy. I’m off living my life, leave your message after the beep and I might get back to you later. Bye!”

*BEEP*

“Your parents called back and are happy to take Luca for a few days in the lead up to Christmas so we can finish the shopping and decorating and baking and…whatever else. Maybe laugh and chat over a roll of cookie dough like old times, lord knows I could use that. I know I kept pushing for a scooter but I think you’re right that a bike would be better. I mean, come on, a scooter in these snowy winters? No way. But a bike would do him good and maybe we can do family bike trips someday. Anway, I’ll be by in a few with flowers. Love you, babe!”

December 21st, 2026

“Hey, it’s Chrissy. I’m off living my life, leave your message after the beep and I might get back to you later. Bye!”

*BEEP*

“I know this sounds dramatic but if I have to listen to that Grinch song one more time, I might lose it. I need you to get back here and take over for a while. You know I love our son but that boy is OBSESSED with the Grinch. I wouldn’t even be surprised if I go back in there and he’s painted his face in that awful green and tied an antler onto poor Bobo’s head. I probably should get back in there to check. I just need some help today....I love you.”

December 23rd, 2025

“Hey, it’s Chrissy. I’m off living my life, leave your message after the beep and I might get back to you later. Bye!”

*BEEP*

“Babe, it’s Christmas Eve Eve. Can we do It’s a Wonderful Life and eat Chinese food tonight? Like we did when we were dating? There’s that really good Chinese place right by your office that you sometimes pick up on the way home? That would really hit the spot tonight and I know Luca would appreciate a Christmas Eve Eve with the family. Your parents are coming over tomorrow and this place is a mess. I know they always say they understand but their home is always so clean and you were raised to keep it so clean but I just can’t keep up. I feel like a failure sometimes. I know, I know, you’ll tell me off for talking about myself like that but it just gets hard around the holidays what with the pressure to be perfect and the movies with their perfect Christmases and having a six-year-old home all day, every day making it impossible to keep up with the rest of the chores. Aren’t six-year-olds supposed to nap? I swear I napped at that age. Anyway, orange chicken and veggie chow mein should do us. Maybe with some spring rolls or pork bao. Love you!”

December 24th, 2026

“Hey, it’s Chrissy. I’m off living my life, leave your message after the beep and I might get back to you later. Bye!”

*BEEP*

“……..Sorry, just…..I was thinking we can do a single present tonight. After your parents leave, of course, since it’s not something your family does, but it was a tradition for me growing up and just because my parents don’t want to be part of our life doesn’t mean that all of my childhood traditions have to…not be used, right? I mean, we’re really just making this up as we go along but I just want to open a present tonight. We’ll save the ones from each other for tomorrow. I think Luca can open the one from your sister tonight. She always sends something fun. She’d make a great mom someday if she wants. She’s a terrific aunt at the very least. A lifesaver for me some days. Anyway, Luca and I will see you soon. Love you!”

December 25th, 2026

“Hey, it’s Chrissy. I’m off living my life, leave your message after the beep and I might get back to you later. Bye!”

*BEEP*

“…………………………..I’d say merry Christmas but we both know it’s a lie this year. Even Luca barely cares for his presents. He just misses you. We both miss you…………..We watched your old Christmas pageant movies this morning after opening presents; he loves the Batman watch, by the way. You always knew what to get him…………..I don’t know if I can do this. You’ve always been the better mom. Luca needs more than I can give and I don’t know what to do. I just……..I just need help. We’re barely holding it together, here……………We’ll see you later, okay? This afternoon. I have a present for you. Love you.”

December 26th, 2025

“Hey, it’s Chrissy. I’m off living my life, leave your message after the beep and I might get back to you later. Bye!”

*BEEP*

*VOICEMAIL FULL*