The phone call

[Slammr (imported)]

Ring........

Using the remote, he turns down the TV and reaches for the phone.

"Mr. Reynolds?" the voice on the other end says.

Reynolds recognizes the voice. It's Dr. Anders, the internist he just visited a few days before. Was there something wrong? Doctors never called. They left that to a nurse or receptionist. Worried now, he said, "Yes, this is Reynolds."

"Mr. Reynolds," said Anders, "I'm afraid I have some bad news for you." Anders hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Uh...actually, I have some bad news and some worse news."

"What is it?" asked Reynolds. It must be bad for Anders to call; and he could hear the concern or some other emotion in Ander's voice.

"Well," said Anders, "I was calling to tell you that you only had 24 hours to live."

Reynolds heart raced. Just 24 hours to live! What could be worse than that? He had to know -- so he asked. "What's the worse news?"

Anders answered, "Uh...I meant to call yesterday."