“Hey sweetie.” Alex smiled at the brunette on the other side of the Skype call. “How’s Tokyo?” D grinned widely, moving their phone away from their face to show an Akihabara street before turning the phone back to themself.

“I’m in nerd heaven right now, Mom. And since we’re here a day before going back to the States, one of the other flight attendants and I brought our Shiki and Neku cosplays, so we’re going to have a semi-impromptu photoshoot in Shibuya later.”

“That sounds like a lot of fun! I demand to see the pictures before anyone else. I know you’re Neku, who’s Shiki?”

“Mel. She’s so tiny and adorable, Mom! I think you’ve seen pictures of us on duty together?” Alex nodded, chuckling.

“I have! She’ll make an amazing Shiki! Oh! Don’t forget to make sure you have Ally’s graduation off! Are we still planning that trip to Wales after they graduate?” D nodded, chuckling.

“Of course, Mom! Just let me know the week before you plan to get their passport so I can send you the money. I know things can be tight sometimes for you, with the cafe and helping look after Kai and Mori as well as Ally.” Alex sighed, nodding.

“It’s been a rough winter all around, in all honesty. As you may well know, considering how the weather tends to affect your job.” Their child groaned, hiding their face behind a hand.

“Don’t remind me. Do you know how many winter storms we had? And ice storms? I can’t count the number of times I’ve crashed at the airport because we got stuck this last winter alone.” The large woman smiled, chuckling.

“You should come visit on your vacation. We can all hop down to San Juan or the US Virgin islands and enjoy some sun and sand and surf after that winter of hell, hm?” D sighed in relief, nodding.

“That sounds amazing, Mom. Hey, I gotta go. Need to make sure I don’t have to charge up before I leave Akihabara. I’ll talk to you before we take off, okay?”

“Sounds good, sweetie. Take care! And remember to send me those pictures!” With that, they hung up, and Alex leaned back in her computer chair. It was always good hearing from their forever-traveling child. D was a good kid, if one with a severe case of wanderlust, and the airline industry was a perfect place for them. Of course, she missed her child greatly, but what mother didn’t? She’d raised D, soothed their hurts and insecurities, helped them find their paths in life when everything seemed against them. But she was proud, too. Proud of the strong, independent person they were. Proud that they were getting to be themself in a company that embraced diversity and the sort of spirit D embodied. Alex had almost signed up to be a flight attendant alongside her child. But their home, their calling, was with the cafe and DC. It was nice to visit other places, but Alex was really a homebody.

The travel perks their child extended to them, however, were very much appreciated.
--------------------
Word Count: 521, according to Google Docs