Lost Art of Mystery

The funeral was on a dreary fall day. Dark skies were streaked with grey clouds, sending down a fine mist of icy rain. She tried to stifle her cries, but the more she tried, the worse it got. She felt her cheeks flush as other attendees turned to look her way.

Henri had passed suddenly of an embolism. It was instantaneous and completely shocking to everyone who knew him. Only 38 and in the prime of life, he had been a successful surgeon, vibrant and in good health. His wife and two small children stood graveside in a state of utter shock and deep grief from the tragic loss. The others at the ceremony included extended family as well as coworkers and neighbors. He had been well liked in the community and a good friend to many.

Shareen stood in the back, covering her mouth, crying nonstop. She had been in love with Henri and they’d been having an affair for over 2 years. Nobody in the small village knew about it, which made her grief even deeper, as she had absolutely no-one to confide in. Earlier that day, at his funeral service, she had discreetly paused in front of his open casket, and dropped an active cell phone into it. She watched it swiftly slide down between the interior cloth and vanish under his jacket. She felt in her pocket for the other phone and caressed its slick surface as she stared at her lovers pale face and black shiny hair. He was displayed on a shiny navy blue satin lining in the dark mahogany casket trimmed with bronze hardware.

Later that night, she curled up in her bed under a large down comforter listening to their favorite Brahms concerto as well as a rhapsody that they had both adored. Tears poured down her cheeks and she felt her pillow getting drenched with her sorrow. She finally got up to make some chamomile tea and while adding the honey, she noticed the phone on the kitchen counter light up. She nearly dropped the porcelain cup as it began to ring. Her hand trembling, she reached for the phone and saw “Unknown caller” in the ubiquitous green. She picked it up, and in a hushed voice she answered, “hello?’