Gary ultimately hung up on me. Before doing so, I vaguely heard Phoebe happily call his name on the other end of the line.
My earlier excitement was now replaced by emptiness. I sat at the table again and muttered to myself. I recalled how my brothers treated Phoebe and pretended to be her. I laughed to myself as I roleplayed, feeling like I’d lost my mind. My laughter grew louder and ultimately ended in strangled sobs.
The seconds ticked, but no one came home. I waited until it was close to midnight—I had three minutes to go.
I started thinking back on my life, but it was too simple and plain. There didn’t seem to be much to remember. My life had been a tragedy from the moment I was born.
The minutes turned to seconds, and I slumped onto the table. I had my urn and photo beside me.
Five, four, three, two, one…
The countdown ended, and a dead silence descended upon me. The room went silent—even the sound of my breathing disappeared.
At the same time, I heard the sound of the doorknob turning. Someone was back!
