“It was a really big drugstore.”

“I’ve got to go there someday,” she said.

“So, the reason I called. Do you remember that scene in Dances with Wolves, where Costner hunts the buffalo?”

There was a long pause. “Yeah. I think so.”

“I’m standing next to that very buffalo.”

“It’s still alive?”

“No, it never was. It’s an animatronic buffalo.”

“A what?”

“A robot buffalo,” I said.

She laughed. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m great. Really. How are things? How is Kailamai?”

“She’s exactly what you said she’d be. She’s a remarkable young lady. She’s already enrolled in college.”

“How’s my dad working out?”

“He’s been a lifesaver. We’re getting things in order. I’m getting IRAs, mutual funds, and a bunch of things I know nothing about. But who cares about my boring life? Tell me about your adventure.”

“Not much to tell you. I’m still on my feet.”

“I think about you every day, you know.”

I was quiet for a moment. “We had some good times together, didn’t we?”

“Yeah, we did. If you ever get tired of walking, there’s always a place for you here.”

“For the record, I was tired of walking before we even met. But thanks for the invite. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I’ve thought a lot about the time we spent together. I …” She paused. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

“Promise me that I’ll see you again.”

“I promise.”

“Okay,” she said. “That will do for now.”

“May I talk to Kailamai?”

“She’s out with some friends. She’ll be disappointed she missed you. She has a whole new batch of jokes she’s been saving for you.

“Here’s one she told me this morning. A golf club walks into a local bar and asks for a beer, but the bartender refuses to serve him. ‘Why not?’ asks the golf club. ‘Because you’ll be driving later,’ replied the bartender.”

“That’s really awful,” I said.

“I know,” Nicole laughed. “But it’s so funny that she tells them.”

“It sounds like the two of you are doing well.”

“We are,” she said.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Good. Because you’re responsible for it.”

“Good to hear I’ve done something right.” I sighed. “Well, I better let you go.”

“Okay,” she said, sounding disappointed. “Call again soon.”

“I will. Take care.”

“See ya.”

It was good hearing her voice. Still, our conversation reminded me of how lonely I was. I stowed my phone back in my pack then walked out the back door of the barn into the park.