“Hello Sweetheart”

“I’m happy that you called, ah, you see, it’s nice when you remember.”

JUNE 17, 2025

Hello sweetheart, how are you doing? I called you yesterday, but there was no answer. Ah, you were out.

Hello, I’m trying to call your landline, but I keep getting a busy signal. Ah, you’re on the phone. Well, call me when you’re done.

Hello darling, I’m calling you from the hiking trail, we’re in the woods outside Paris, it’s very cold and rainy, lots of wind, listen if you have a minute tomorrow call me, I’ll be happy to hear from you. I hope you’re doing well and that you had a good day.

Hello princess, well, haven’t heard from you for two days. I’m sure you’re doing fine. Call me when you have a chance. I love you.

I’ve tried to reach you several times, I don’t know what’s going on with you, give me a call one of these days so I can relax a little. It’s been at least two weeks since I heard your voice. As for me, I’ve got a lot on my mind and a fever, but anyway I’m okay it’s not serious. Well, love you, goodbye.

Last Sunday, we went on an amazing hike. We met up with the guide, it was very early, we took the train all the way out to… I forget the name of the station. We walked twenty miles at least, I’m telling you it was exhausting. The pace she set! I was ready to drop by the end. We were practically jogging. Oh, the woods are lovely, the trees, the rocks… Stunning. She really wore us out, though. I’m still waddling like a duck.

The other day in the woods, we’d stopped for lunch and we were all sitting on tree stumps. We’d unpacked our sandwiches and I was eating mine when all of a sudden this white-haired man sitting next to me keeled over with his mouth open: he’d passed out. I tell you, it was a shock… A man I’d been talking to just minutes before, in the prime of life! He flopped over like a pancake. I shook him, I slapped his face, emptied my water bottle over his head. Well, yes, what else could I do. Splash some water on the fellow and give him a good smack!

Then, he came to and we were able to continue our hike. But the whole thing really shook me up, it gave me a good fright.

What’s this? Milk chocolate? I’m going to save it for Sunday. Sometimes, in the middle of the woods, I get a craving for sweets.

Can I serve you a little? Go ahead, please. Don’t make me beg you. Okay, I won’t say anything. Take some if you want. There. When I offer you refuse, and as soon as I put the plate down, you serve yourself.

I think you don’t get enough sugar into your system. You don’t take any in your coffee, you don’t like candy. I’m telling you, you look pale.

You don’t want a yogurt? A banana? Some strawberries? An apricot? Some cake? Take a piece of cake. You’re sure? Here, I’ll cut a little slice for you. Not even an apricot? A strawberry, then. They’re very good. I’ll bring you some whipped cream.

Go on, taste one of these figs. Please, try one, for me. Not even a date? Please, take a date, they’re very good. You’d prefer a fig?

Can I get you some more? You’re full? But you barely ate anything.

I think you don’t get enough sugar into your system. You don’t take any in your coffee, you don’t like candy. I’m telling you, you look pale.

Hello sweetheart, is everything alright? No it’s just I saw in the paper this morning that a building burned down in the 11th and since you’re in the 12th I thought of you and I worried it might be your place.

I’m not one for New Year’s parties, I prefer to spend the evening at home. If it’s just to go out in the street and find myself in the middle of a screaming crowd. No, I bought myself a little salmon and I watched TV. Oh, you know, the usual garbage… “Blind Date” and the like, really mindless fluff, I stayed up for a while and then I went to bed.

I can’t fall asleep until you’ve come home. When you live by yourself, you can stay out late, I won’t even know it and I’ll live in peace. But if I don’t hear the key turning in the lock, I’m afraid something’s happened to you, that you’ve been attacked in the metro, beaten up by thugs, raped, you name it.

I can’t relax until your sister’s come home.

Have you heard from your brother? No? You haven’t called him? You could give him a call, say hello, ask him what he’s been up to, how his children are doing, his wife, if he likes his job. You each live in your own world. No one has any consideration. You should make an effort, send him a note, a card, even a few lines, to show you’re taking an interest in him.

You have to keep in touch.

Oh, and by the way, next Tuesday, we’re invited to my sister’s. Make a note of it. I don’t want you coming to me later and saying you had other plans or that you didn’t know. She’ll be glad to see all of you.

Something always comes up. Whenever it’s a holiday, it just so happens you’ve been invited somewhere, a dinner, a birthday party… Anyone would think it was deliberate. This is important to me, I keep telling you. I don’t expect to see you every day, but just every so often, on special occasions. So that we can catch up, unwind: we never spend time together.

From now on, I’d like for us to set aside one evening a week when we all have dinner together here, at home, let’s say Fridays, and sit and chat, have a good laugh.

What would everyone like me to buy for dinner tomorrow? Shall we have baked fish?

I was thinking that tomorrow night we could have — I don’t know, baked fish.

Hello sweetheart, we’re still on for tomorrow but if you don’t mind coming to the house, I’d prefer it because I’ve been tired lately, and the traffic is so bad, it’s hard to find a place to park. Alright, then… oh, and if you like, we can have baked fish for dinner.

If you want to sleep at home from time to time on the weekends, you know that your room is still made up. There’s plenty of food in the refrigerator, the washing machine is here, your laundry will be ironed, your bed is always made.

All I ask is that you make an effort, try to throw something together once in a while, a salad, an omelet, that way we can sit down together and talk. 

I brought you some presents, do you want to see? Okay then, for starters: a necklace.… Do you like it? I hoped it would suit your taste, with you girls, I never know. Next, a big T-shirt… A leather bag, the brand is very well-known over there. You like it? I asked one of my friends in the group for advice, I thought since she’s a woman, she’d know what’s in style. And now: a little jade dish to put your jewelry in and a cotton wrap skirt for the beach, they call it a pareo.

There were gorgeous handbags, suitcases… but I don’t know what you girls like, I’m always afraid of picking out the wrong thing. You’ll have to come one day and show me what you’d choose, that way I’ll know for the next time.

I got you a souvenir, it’s a silver chain. Here’s the matching bracelet.

Am I right? Ah, yes, when I saw it, I liked it right away.

I’d like to buy you a nice piece of jewelry, a bracelet, a ring, only it seems to me you never wear those things.

One of these days when you’re free, a Saturday afternoon or a weekday if you’d prefer, I’ll take you shopping: you can try on a pair of pants, a jacket, a blouse… pick out whatever you like.

Sometimes, I go and visit my friend who owns a shop, he sells anoraks, nice shirts, blazers… but I don’t dare buy anything for you because I know how particular you are.

You come over and use the washing machine, you collect your mail… Never a kind word, always in a rush.

I’d like for us to sit down and have a serious talk about our relationship. There’s no dialogue between us, we never see each other, I don’t know what you’re up to, you drop by and you leave without a word. We need to shed some light on this situation.

All I ask is that you make an effort, try to throw something together once in a while, a salad, an omelet, that way we can sit down together and talk. 

Just a few words to catch up, a “how are you doing,” “did you have a good day.”

You seem tired to me. You look gaunt.

I bought you some shortbread cookies for the morning, they go well with coffee.

Would you like some little yogurts? There are plenty of them, I bought a big pack. Go ahead, take a few. Fruit, you want some fruit? Take some oranges, plums… I’ll put them in a bag for you. A little slice of cake? It’s chocolate. To have with your coffee tomorrow morning.

Go on, take the rest of the chicken. I won’t eat it.

What do you make to eat when you’re alone? Pasta, rice? Oh, I understand, it’s the same for me, I don’t like to cook anything too complicated. And when you have your friends over?

Why not invite your friends over, we could have a dinner party.

Ask your friends to come over to the house one Friday night.

Your friend who made those drawings, what was her name? How is that going, is she finding work? Does she enjoy it? Didn’t you tell me she was married?

So? How are things going with your new boyfriend? Do you two have plans?

He needs time to think? He’s not sure?

I don’t want to upset you, but I think this young man is a real waste of space. You’re right there in front of him and he needs more time? He must be out of his mind! Scouts’ honor!

My darling, after everything you’ve told me, I think this lad is out to lunch. No, honestly, for goodness’ sake.

Some people are like that: they walk down the street, they pass right by a gorgeous entryway and they don’t even notice. It’s as if you offered someone a strawberry tart on a plate of gold and he said to you “I don’t know…I’m not hungry.”

As for… what was his name again, that boyfriend of yours with the scooter? The day you introduced him to me, I respect you and I love you my darling, you’re my pride and joy, but when I saw him coming in his pajama shirt, I thought to myself what on Earth… I’m sure he’s a very nice boy and all, but between you and me, going around with that shoulder bag and a pouch full of rolling tobacco.

And then, of course, there’s his name… It’s not Yehuda. I won’t pretend I’m delighted but what can I do. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters to me. If my children are thriving, I’m satisfied.

Now listen here, you do as you please, but if one day you two have a child and it’s a boy, you have to circumcise him. Otherwise, it’s all over. I’m telling you now. Anyway, everyone does it these days: even in America. Do you realize? In America! If you cross me on this, I’m warning you, you’ll never see me again, you can say goodbye to me right now.

My words got away from me. But you know that deep down I don’t believe what I said. I wasn’t thinking.

You’re the apple of my eye.

Fine. And you? I see. Well, goodbye.

Hello. No. Not very well.

What?

You’re not very talkative.

Have you heard from your sister? She hasn’t called me in ten days.

It doesn’t cost much to pick up the phone every now and then just to chat, to catch up a little.

Me? Well, I try to go into the office every morning, it’s not so much that I’m needed but at least it helps to pass the time. Otherwise, I go to the swimming pool, to bridge class, but none of that gives any real meaning to my life, which often feels empty since I don’t have any particular goals or plans. But I can’t complain, after all I’m so lucky to have my three children whom I adore and who bring me so much joy.

She has dialysis treatments three times a week. They put a tube in her that pumps blood, it flows into a machine with cleaning filters and it goes back into her veins.

They put a pacemaker in him, a battery you attach to the heart to make it beat more regularly.

I don’t know what he had exactly, he caught cold. There was water in his lungs, they removed at least two buckets full.

It’s a spider that bites you on the leg, it lays its eggs under your skin and you get a fat blister. They say you can’t stop scratching yourself. It’s horrible.

As for me, I won’t always be around, unfortunately. You’ll have to learn to get by on your own. That’s right. I’m seventy-one years old.

I’d like to sit down with you and your brother and sister, to talk to you a bit about my affairs, tell you all you need to know, in case something happens to me. At my age, now, you have to be prepared for anything. Tomorrow, I could slip on a banana peel and that’s the end of me.

Honestly, you kids really worry me sometimes. You’re all so naïve. You haven’t got a clue. You’re gullible. You can’t always trust people, you’ve got to be a little more wary.

You see kindness everywhere. You think everyone’s like that, but there are lots of jealous types out there. When everything’s going fine, most of your friends are happy for you, but others wish a piano would fall on your head.

You’ve got to learn how to earn a living, to file your own taxes... You should know more or less how much you’re spending, get with the program a little. It’s important. I won’t be around forever.

You can’t just go on collecting unemployment and wandering around flea markets looking for knick-knacks.

What’s the point in being such a homebody? Go out, have a good time, enjoy yourself! You’ve got to talk, make friends, at your age, it’s not normal to live like a shut-in, you’ve got to get out there and meet people. There’s no reason not to: you have so much to offer! Go out dancing, have a drink, go on a date: it doesn’t work out? Onto the next! Give it a shot. I’m not telling you to start dating every guy you see, but don’t take life so seriously. Look at your shoulders… It’s as if you’re lugging a dead body around with you.

Ah, so you’ve noticed, I don’t bring that up anymore. If you tell me you have a boyfriend, great, but if you don’t mention it, I’m not going to ask.

And what about your sister, is she seeing anybody?

No idea: she never talks about it. Whenever I ask her a question, she gets annoyed. She must confide in you more easily, the two of you get along.

Would you come and help me choose a bag for your sister? If I go on my own criteria, she’s not going to like it. She admires you, you’re her role model, whatever you say, she agrees. You can guide me. But if it comes from me, she won’t like it.

I’ll make sure and tell her it was you who chose it.

Hello sweetheart, how are you doing? Where are you? Ah, good. Listen, I’m calling to tell you some bad news: my great aunt has died. Well, yes, you know, she was very ill, we buried her yesterday. Are you out walking? No, it’s just that it’s very noisy. Well, I’ll call you later, talk to you soon.

Hello darling. How are things? Are you keeping your chin up? Your health is good? Any romance in your life? And work? I’m happy for you. I won’t take up any more of your time.

Hello princess, how are you doing? Are you enjoying your work? I’m glad to hear it. Oh, yes, the weather’s beautiful here. I went out for a walk in the woods, I managed at least six miles. Okay, I’ll let you get back to work. Love you.

I’ll buy you some biscuits, candy… Do you like dates? I could send a little nougat, it wouldn’t melt in the mail.

I waited up for you, I was hoping to tell you goodbye. Have a Merry Christmas with your friends, sweetheart. You’ll be in my heart in these last few weeks of the year. You can call me if you like.

Hello sweetheart, it’s the 31st, I’m thinking of you and your brother and sister on this difficult day, it’s a day of remembrance, every year when the season comes around. I know it’s not easy for you… I love you so much and you’re in my thoughts.

My God, how quickly the time flies, it seems as if it were yesterday.                                  

Ten years already. Eleven years already. Twelve years already. Thirteen years already. Already fifteen years!                

It’s been seventeen years.

I’m cooking dinner for my brothers and sisters, for the anniversary of my father’s death. The whole family will be there. Do as you please.

Do you realize, nobody called me, on this day of all days!

As for my sister, well, I don’t speak to her anymore.

Since I won’t have your address with me on my trip, I’m sending this card in advance to wish you a happy birthday. I love you with all my heart and I’ll always be here for you no matter what. P.S. A check to buy yourself a little something + my itinerary.

I think of you often and send my warmest wishes from this beautiful country where I’m piling up incredible memories.

Tomorrow we’re going to visit a Zulu village. I’ll tell you all about it. I hope everything’s going great and you’re keeping your chin up.

SWEETHEART HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOTS OF SUCCESS GOOD HEALTH ALL THE HAPPINESS YOU DESERVE

Sweetheart, I’m leaving you an envelope for your book and your bathing suit. I was happy to see you yesterday in spite of our little disagreement.

What does your heart desire? A package with some dried fruit and chocolate? A nice wheel of camembert? I’ll buy you some biscuits, candy… Do you like dates? I could send a little nougat, it wouldn’t melt in the mail.

Here are a few treats, as promised: tea, some figs, dried apricots and bananas, dates, mini-calissons, some extra-dark chocolates and a few with praline filling… Everything’s fine here, apart from my sciatica that keeps flaring up and making it impossible for me to walk.

His blood wasn’t circulating well. They had to put plastic veins in his leg.

Oh, I haven’t introduced her to you? We met at bridge class. She’s divorced with two children, so we go out from time to time.

I met a woman at a party who works in film, she explained to me what she does but since I’m not really familiar I forgot it right away. I took her card just in case, it might be useful to you... I told her you make films too. You can call her in my opinion, she’s very charming.

But… these videos you’ve been making, can you sell them? Are there buyers?

And at your exhibition, what will you show?

Ah, so they’re not paintings.

You never talk about what you’re up to, what you’re working on, I don’t know what it is you do exactly.

So what does it involve, exactly? Ah, well. And you enjoy that? It’s interesting?

Don’t you want a chocolate? Go on, they’re great. No? Really? Try this one, for me.

A little beer? You’ll share one with me?

And for this film shoot, you’re working on the scenery? You don’t act in it? So if I understand it, you help out with the decorating.

I saw an excellent film the other day with, you know, that American actress, ah………… It’ll come to me, wait… Yes! Isn’t she pretty? And what a smile! She plays a funny woman, very outgoing, whose boyfriend is divorced and the father of two children. The kids’ mother tries to ruin their fun, she’s jealous, bitter. She accuses the woman of being a scatterbrain. Finally, little by little, her goodwill and hard work pay off and they welcome her into the family. Sure, at first it’s true she’s rather clumsy, she keeps spilling the milk, leaving piles of things everywhere… And then the mother finds out she’s sick so she puts a little water in her wine and in the end they celebrate Christmas together, all five of them. I’m telling you, it gave me goosebumps.

Now I go to the movies in the evening, there’s a theater near the house, I have a discount and I see everything that comes out. 

Yesterday, I found myself on the Champs-Élysées after a meeting, around six. It was pouring down rain, I ducked into a cinema and I saw a really fine comedy with that one, you know, the fat actor… Oh my my, was it funny, I promise you, go and see it, you’ll have a good time.

Tonight there’s a good Western showing!

We could eat at that restaurant afterwards, what’s it called again, Les Tourelles? Or Les Tournelles?

There’s a very good restaurant in that neighborhood, Les Tournelles I think or Les Tourelles.

If you want to sleep at home from time to time on the weekends, you know that your room is still made up. There’s plenty of food in the refrigerator, the washing machine is here, your laundry will be ironed, your bed is always made.

Let me know if you’re coming to my sister’s, she’s asked us over for dinner on Monday night.

It’s not easy for her, with her illness.

She’s always asking about you, she misses you. Listen, tell me tonight or tomorrow morning.

Here, take the flowers, you should be the one to give them to her.

I think I’ll take the stairs because this bouquet will take up all the space in the elevator.

Well that’s a lovely sweater, is it new?

Oh? I’ve never seen it.

Right now, you say you don’t like jewelry, but you might feel differently later on. You have time to change your mind. A few years from now, you might want to wear your grandmother’s wedding ring, we’d have to reset it because the band’s so old-fashioned, but the stone is lovely.

And those fur coats I’ve put in storage, you girls aren’t interested in them? It’s too bad, they’ll be covered in dust, moth-eaten…

I’m going to end up giving them away. Fur doesn’t seem to be you girls’ style. Well, think about it, if you want to wear them or keep them. I don’t want to be involved. Talk it over with your sister and tell me what you decide.

If I’d known about those coats of your mothers, I’d have given them away immediately. Who’s going to wear that sort of thing these days? They’re completely out of style.

It’s like good silver gathering dust in the basement, no one wears them.

One of these days you’ll have to sort through that wardrobe, I don’t even remember what’s in there. Just take a look, whatever you want is yours.

I’m happy that you called, ah, you see, it’s nice when you remember.

Oh, I got an invitation to my cousin’s son’s wedding. He only wrote my name on the envelope. I’m disgusted. If my children aren’t invited, I won’t go.

This summer, we could all go somewhere together: we’ll set aside a week, you’ll tell me in advance when you’re free so I can make the reservations. I’d like to offer you a stay in a nice hotel, you kids can choose the place.

What airline did you choose? I’m going to see if there’s room on the same flight, that way we can leave together.

I found a ticket. Whoever gets to the gate first can ask for us to be seated together.

Would you like a magazine for the trip? Some candy?

No, no, it’s nothing too serious. He’s in the hospital. It has to do with his heart. They found a blood clot. So they put in one of those what do you call it... a little umbrella they attach to the artery, it opens and closes and it trains your heartbeat.

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Excerpted from Eau sauvage by Valérie Mréjen. © Éditions Allia, Paris, 2004.

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✺ Published in “Issue 29: Fathers” of The Dial