The Answering Machine
Monday 9:00 AM
“Cal, I hate your new machine message. You should change it. Well, anyway that’s not why I called. I expected you to stop by last night.
“Did I do or say something to make you angry?
“I made supper and a peach cobbler for desert. I know how much you like peach cobbler.
“It doesn’t matter, honey. Stop by tonight for some of the cobbler. I’ll be home around seven, after choir practice.”
Tuesday 8:10 AM
“Did you stop by before I got home last night, baby? I couldn’t find a note so I don’t know.
“What’s wrong sweetheart? Is everything all right at work?
“Come over tonight for some ice cream and peach cobbler.
“Oh, yeah, honey, I don’t want to be a nag, but please change your answering machine message. It really bothers me.”
Wednesday 7:45 AM
“Still have that stupid message on I see.
“I threw the cobbler out. I thought it was your favorite. I guess not.
“Call me, please. I just don’t know what’s going on with you.”
Thursday 7:20 AM
“Okay, Cal, what is it? I haven’t heard from you in four days. How about a phone call, a note on my car, anything. Just let me know you’re still there—and that you still love me. I love you Cal, but for God’s sake get a new message.”
Friday 7:13 AM
“I’m about ready to give up, Cal. Are you even listening to my messages? Well, don’t bother. I know when I’m being dumped.
“By the way, weird-o, I don’t think your machine message is at all funny. Who puts a suicide note on his answering machine? The gunshot is a nice touch though. Have a good life, asshole.”
Mayra Calvani Said,
July 5, 2007 @ 7:25 am
Congrats on the publication of your story, Wanda! I enjoyed reading it. Nice ending.
Susan Gourley Said,
July 5, 2007 @ 4:15 pm
Really good, Wanda. I thought it knew where it was going, but I was wrong. Congratulations on publication.
Sue
Shirley Mummert Said,
July 6, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
Wanda, Really different, but interesting! Congratulations on you publication.
Shirley
Connie Lee Said,
July 7, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Your writing has improved so much since your started. This is very clever and certainly a surprise ending. Connie
Lee Gray Said,
July 8, 2007 @ 10:36 am
Hey Girl! Excellent! Reminded me a little of “Dear Wanda”…but much better, quicker and nice twist. Best to you as always, Lee
Lauren Carr Said,
July 20, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Cool twist! Nice tight writing style that keeps you reading!
Alice Weyers Said,
July 20, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
Wanda, Congrats!! It’s the kind of ending I love!!
Steven Said,
August 2, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
Nice story. Good ending.