You Have Twelve Messages

You Have Twelve Messages
by Verne Ahyong
word count: 284

          Coming from a weekend business trip, I arrive home and notice that the all the lights are switched off.

          That’s weird . At this time, my wife Amy is usually cooking dinner. I park my car in the garage and open the front door using my spare key. After switching on a few lights in the living room, I proceed towards the answering machine to check for any messages Amy might have left me.

          “You have twelve messages,” the machine says.

          “Message one: Condolences honey, I’m so sorry for your loss.”

          “Message two: Hi, Baby? This is mommy. If you need me to come over, don’t hesitate to call. Your father and I will drive over there at once. Don’t you do anything stupid now.”

          As similar messages continue to play, beads of sweat start dripping down my face. What the hell's happened? Condolences? For who?

          “Message seven: Amy! Oh my God, I can’t believe it. Jessica told me, and I thought it was some sick joke. But when I saw it in today’s paper…I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say. Your husband was such a good person…”

          Your husband? The words send chills down my spine. I turn towards the coffee table where a copy of today’s paper lies. I flip it open and turn to the obituaries page, and there it is— my name, my photograph.

          “Amy?” I call out. “Amy? Are you here? I’m here, Amy. It’s me, Mark. I’m not dead.”

          “Message twelve,” the machine says. “Mom. Dad. I'm calling from my cellphone. If you hear this message it means I’ve decided to join Mark in heaven. I just can’t live without him. I’m sorry.”

          A splash. Then...nothing.