I didn’t answer the phone

A few months ago I had made myself a lovely brunch. Instant noodles with added frozen peas and frozen sweetcorn topped with a fried egg (cooked in the same saucepan afterwards to save on washing-up).

As I ate the phone rang. My instinct was to jump up and answer it but something held me back. If I answered the phone my food would probably be cold by the time I could resume eating as had happened many times before.

I didn't answer the phone and enjoyed my food.

Afterwards I saw that it was my mother who called. I phoned back and we chatted.

She did not die because I didn't answer the phone, I did not die because I didn't answer the phone.

The universe carried on as normal.