Conference room. Midst of a discussion. Focus interrupted. Cell phone vibrates, calls to attention. Shammi. "Will call you..." "R...just wanted to tell you that...". Thud! Time stands still for an infinitesmial nano second. "Ok. Will call you later."

..."She was my everything."

..."She was my best friend."

..."What will I do without her?"

..."What will dad do, his companion of so many years?"

..."I don't know what to do!"

Words come of their own accord. How, when... and so on. But how can words act as a salve?
Then a break in her voice, her complete breakdown unleashes a flood. My voice quavers. She can't continue. I'm relieved. I want to see her. I will. Soon.

Dimple? Just know that I'm here. Will be here always.

A mother died. A world collapsed.

Everything else can wait.