We talked four times per year:
His birthday, my birthday, Father’s Day, and Christmas.
Dad, Happy Birthday!
Thank you, son.
Anything exciting planned for the day?
No, not really.
What have you been up to this morning?
Nothing.
Okay, what have you been up to the last three months?
Nothing really.
I know you like watching documentaries. Any interesting ones lately?
No, not really.
Okay, what have you been watching lately?
Nothing much.
[I pause. I take a deep breath.]
Dad, you never told me about your trip to the Yukon. It was your lifelong dream, right?
Yes.
How was the trip?
Fine.
How far north did you get?
Whitehorse.
Anything stand out from the trip?
Not really.
What did you do while you were there?
Nothing much. Well, son, this call must be costing you a fortune. Thanks for the birthday wishes. Love you. Bye for now.
My daughter called me last week from Europe.
Daddy, how have you been?
Fine, thank you.
What have you been up to these last three months?
Nothing.
[My daughter pauses. I hear her take a deep breath.]