Other Side Of Summer IV: A Telephone Call
#4 of Other Side Of Summer
Written in 2010 as an experiment to tell a story in 250 words or less.
A telephone rang. "Hello?"
"Mr. Otter? This is in regards to your son. I'm afraid the operation was not a success."
A gasp. He had feared this call. "What happened?"
"The doctors tried to remove the growths, but they remained no matter how they were cut. Your son is resting in the recovery room right now."
"H... How is he feeling?"
"He's still groggy from the anesthesia, but he's comfortable."
"When can I see him?"
"I wouldn't advise that right now, Mr. Otter. It'll be a day or two to make sure that he is stable and free of infection. We'll let you know if there are any changes."
"Thank you."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Otter." The voice on the other end of the line dropped the officious tone and actually held some sympathy. "We've had many people trying to reverse the effects of the Event last summer, but none have been successful so far. We had hoped the latest technique would work, but..."
Mr. Otter laughed ruefully. "I knew that going in." A sigh. "Thank you again for doing your best."
The line went dead.