"Why yes, come in, come in," Said the receptionist, beaming from behind a counter, "And take a seat. Here is a packet containing out options- please look it over and we'll send a specialist to speak with you."
"Thanks," I said, and took a seat. For an office offering death as a final solution, their waiting room looked all too similar to it's opposite, that of a doctor's. There was a sickly sweet smell to it, a pile of scribbled over magazines in the corner, and even the customary long wait.
My eyebrows furrowed as I read through the options. Damn, they were expensive. I should have spent more on my Death Insurance policy.
"Sir, come this way," Said the specialist when he arrived, a wizened old man leaning on a cane. He looked old- hell, they all looked old, looking only a step away from death themselves. The tactic worked well- the though rarely left my mind throughout the visit.
"Now, Mr. Mordus, I'm sure you have reviewed our options. Do you know which plan you are interested in?"
"I'm looking at option one right now," I replied.
"Ah, yes. With that option, we can provide you with eternal rest, with only one week of wakening per year. It's our budget package- are you sure you don't want to look at something a little more suitable for you?"
"Erm, I guess, but-"
"Excellent," Said the analyst, and pointed at a paragraph on my information packet, "If you see option two, we only require one day of awakening a year, and it is only thirty percent extra. In addition, we have many payment plans. Do you know how much you would like to put down?"
"How about six thousand dollars?"
"Hmm," Said the analyst, and drew four squares on a napkin before passing it over to me, putting $3000 in the "Down Payment" square, "I can work with that. Now hold on, I'll go into the back and see what we can do for you with your interest rate. I might be able to strike a deal with our manager."
Then he disappeared, leaving me waiting for fifteen minutes in silence, and returned with his manager on his arm that looked even older to him.
"Mr. Mordus!" He said, extending a hand and patting me on the shoulder, "We ran your credit, and it looks like we can make a deal. Really stuck my neck out for you to get you this rate. But if you switch to plan 3, which is total death, then I can reduce it by a percent."
"I think I'll stick with plan one, thank you," I said, circling it on the paper.
"Alright, alright," Said the manager, "I'm a little disappointed, considering the effort I used to get you that rate from the banks. But if you ever change your mind, let us know!"
Then he disappeared, and I signed the form. I test drove my POD, where my body would remain as I entered into death, and returned later that week to be put under.
The procedure was simple, and I passed away in silence. Then, one year later, I awoke for my mandatory week.
"Ah, Mr. Mordus!" Came the voice of the manager as I awoke, "I hope you've been enjoying your rest. If you look here, I was able to work something out while you were gone! The banks fought against it, but I really pulled for you! OF course, if you refuse, we can always see what's available for you next year. But I'll be with you all week to help you make your decision."
By Leo