deceased

The man was dead. Many stood over the corpse, from which life abruptly evaporated. As his eyes dimmed, his skin paled. The authorities would arrive soon, but only for the formalities. Family would be notified and a brief period of grieving would commence.

Adrenaline filled his veins as gasps filled the air. His dance with the car was a narrow escape; seemingly impossible. Regaining composure, he straightened his tie and checked his watch, continuing along the crosswalk. Today was a big day, the culmination of a year-long effort under his direction. Arriving at his desk, early as usual, he took a moment to shakily sip his coffee and try to steady his nerves. With a quick, rehearsed motion, he declined a call from his mother.

Shaking her head, his mother set the phone down. It would have been an extraordinary circumstance to be answered. Minutes later, her call was surprisingly returned, but the voice was unfamiliar. A funeral was arranged, attended by a few close friends and relatives, and it was over. The world hurried on as sympathetic flowers wilted.

Life went on without obstruction, and his memory of the narrow escape faded. He took care to visit his mother on special occasions, but never at too great a burden. He would cheat death again with rarely a scratch, and grew old as others expired. He watched the world decay and crumble, flames extinguished and life erased. He was alone.