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A Familiar Voice, by Marjan Sierhuis

26/6/2020

 
Parker’s heart pounds in his chest, and he finds it difficult to breathe. His wife looks at him across the breakfast table, and she can’t help but frown.

“I’ll call an ambulance,” she says and immediately picks up the phone.

Parker grits his teeth and closes his eyes. Perspiration dampens his face. “My indigestion is temporary,” he says. “The discomfort will go away, like it always does.”

Mandy completes the call.

“Mr. Smith,” a voice shouts from the side of the stretcher. “Can you hear me?” Voices fade away and everything goes dark. Parker takes his final breath while his body floats, higher and higher.

He looks down. His gown is askew, and his chest is exposed. A fist thumps his chest. “Stop,” he screams. “Please leave me alone.” No one appears to listen.

Minutes pass and then hours before he opens his eyes. Mandy brushes his cheek with her lips, and she whispers in his ear, “I love you.”
Mary Wallace
26/6/2020 02:06:52 pm

I wonder how often this happens. It's an important discussion to have. Well done.

Marjan sierhuis
26/6/2020 04:55:07 pm

Thank you, Mary for taking the time to read and for your comment.

Jim link
26/6/2020 03:46:36 pm

Nice, Marjan - and, after a moment of doubt, a happy ending (at least for Mandy and the reader ;-)) I wonder if Parker will come to grips with that as well...
Jim

marjan sierhuis
26/6/2020 05:00:18 pm

Thank you, Jim for reading and your thoughts on the situation.

Sue Clayton
27/6/2020 03:23:44 am

My husband had a similar experience; dead for 10 minutes. Luckily he came back to me, brain intact. First question anyone asks him is "did you see a light? Is there's anything on the other side?" Answer: NO. Your well-written piece made my heart thud with still resonating memories, Marjan.

marjan sierhuis
27/6/2020 02:20:07 pm

Thank you, Sue for reading and sharing. It must have been a great relief when your husband was fine.

A former colleague of mine years ago said she was floating over her body, as they compressed her chest. She was hesitant to tell anyone in case they found her foolish. Apparently some individuals have seen the light.

I hope my piece didn't set off too many unpleasant memories for you.

Have a nice weekend.

Sue Clayton
28/6/2020 05:23:55 am

Long time ago, Marjan, but thanks for the consideration. Look forward to your next piece of FF.


Comments are closed.

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