*of

I write a text for my wife.

Thinking if you… I read, but only after having pressed ‘SEND’.

(I clearly only proofread texts to my wife after I have sent them.)

Thinking if you… what, though? I thought.

Thinking if you... could proofread my texts for me before I send them?

Thinking if you... are as careless as I am when texting?

(No.)

Thinking if you... remembered how haphazard and absent-minded I can be,

‘cos if not: here’s a reminder.

Reflecting on the infinite variety of language

I realise that Thinking if you... could be completed in an infinity of ways.

Thinking if you... are dancing around your classroom like the ballerina you once were.

Possible.

Thinking if you... are marking books.

Almost certain.

Thinking if you...are secretly a fox.

Now I’m just being silly.

I don’t send these thoughts of her.

Instead, I send her the rather more prosaic:

*of.

Leaving now

She replies, a few minutes later.

Sage journey

I reply.