"Mom? Is that you Mom?" Blood pounds in my eardrums and I have trouble hearing for a minute. Take it easy or she'll think something's wrong.

       "John? I'm so glad they let you call. But you sound funny. Is somebody standing there with you?"

       "It's all right, Mom. Mr. Delgado's out in the hall. I'm OK and things aren't too bad. I just got my privs , that's my privileges . That's how I got to call you. How're Lori and Nick? Do they miss me?"

       "They ask about you every day. They were so excited when they got the letter you wrote to them this week. They both put notes in the letter I wrote back. Did you get it already?"

       "Not yet."