The Last Call

She was alone in the house, waiting for her husband to come back from work. She heard the phone ring and picked it up.

"Hello?" she said.

"Hi, honey, it's me. I'm sorry, but I'm going to be late. There's a lot of traffic and I don't think I'll make it home before midnight."

She sighed. "It's okay, I understand. Just be careful, okay? I love you."

"I love you too. See you soon."

She hung up the phone and went back to the couch. She turned on the TV and watched some random show. She felt bored and lonely. She wished her husband was here with her.

She heard the phone ring again and picked it up.

"Hello?" she said.

"Hi, honey, it's me. I have some bad news. I was in a car accident and I'm in the hospital. I don't think I'm going to make it."

She gasped. "What? No, no, no, this can't be happening. Where are you? I'm coming right now."

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you. They won't let me. Just know that I love you and I'm sorry for everything."

She sobbed. "No, please, don't leave me. I love you too. Please, stay with me."

"I'm sorry, I have to go. Goodbye."

She heard a beep and the line went dead. She dropped the phone and screamed. She ran to the door and grabbed her keys. She had to find him. She had to save him.

She opened the door and saw him. He was standing there, smiling. He had a bouquet of roses in his hand. He looked fine. He looked alive.

"Surprise!" he said. "Happy anniversary!"

She stared at him in disbelief. She felt a surge of relief and joy. She ran to him and hugged him. She kissed him and cried.

"Oh, thank God, you're okay. You're okay. I thought you were dead. I thought I lost you."

He hugged her back and kissed her. He looked confused.

"What are you talking about? I'm fine. I just wanted to surprise you. I got off work early and I bought you these flowers. I love you."

He looked at the phone on the floor. He picked it up and checked it.

"Who were you talking to?" he asked.

She looked at the phone. She saw the caller ID. It was his number. It was his voice. It was his last call.

Image Credit: Priscilla Du Preez