The whole message

© 2004 Craig Williamson
Entry to a short story competition, September 2004

It would only be another hour. One more hour of the life he was so desperate to leave behind, and yet one more hour of doubting his decision. His mind was already slowing as he gripped the phone tightly. With the number dialled, his heart sank at the prospect of the impending conversation.

Instead of the warm, comforting sound of his closest friend, a cold and rasping computerised voice replied, “Please leave your message after the beep.” He hesitated momentarily, trying to form the right words whilst fending off the uncertainty that clouded his every thought.

His hushed tones gradually muttered, “Hi, it’s me. Please leave it another couple of hours before coming around. See you then, I think it’s for the best.” Indecision once again absorbed his weakening being, as a tear rolled down his face to prevent him from ending the call. “You know I really didn’t want to do this, but it suddenly just felt as if I didn’t have the choice.” His sluggish voice began to deteriorate further, drowning in his tears. “Maybe I’ve done something stupid, maybe I need you here now...before it’s too late...I don’t know...”

His friend arrived at her home only 5 minutes later, just in time to collect her messages before heading out into the night to see him. Her finger hurriedly struck the play button. “You have one new message,” spoke the machine in salvation.

“Hi, it’s me. Please leave it another couple of hours before coming around. See you then...”

Her hand moved back towards the machine, thoughtlessly stabbing the button marked ‘Delete’ which then oozed its devilish red glow. “Message deleted. You have no more messages,” echoed the helpless machine. It would only be another hour.