Disconnected

Disconnected is a flash fiction story about a brother’s lament over the passing of his sister and the connection they had through their phones.

Photo by Wilhelm Gunkel on Unsplash

When Eva died unexpectedly, Sam helped his brother-in-law with the funeral arrangements. Sam chose the prayer card. A silhouette of an angel against a fiery sunset. And he picked out the passage. It was something about finally being free. He reminded his brother-in-law that Eva hated roses but loved stargazer lilies and didn't want an open casket.

“I don’t know what Eva told you about us,” his brother-in-law said. “She didn’t,” Sam lied. Then they awkwardly shared stories about Eva and laughed and cried and laughed and cried.

For weeks after the funeral, Sam continued to call Eva's phone. He needed to hear her voice. “Hey, it’s Eva. Leave a message and I’ll call you back. Byeeee.” The joyful tone of Eva’s voice cradled his grief. He paused for a moment before leaving a message. Telling Eva about his day, her nephews, how everyone misses her.

One day Sam called Eva’s phone to leave a message. He wanted to tell her that he saw his brother-in-law having dinner at Spavone’s with another woman who looked familiar. It didn't feel right.

But Eva's voice was gone. “We’re sorry but the number you are trying to reach has been disconnected.” 

He called back to make sure he dialed the correct number.  “We’re sorry but the number you are trying to reach has been disconnected.” 

He called his brother-in-law. “We’re sorry but the number you are trying to reach has been disconnected.” 

Sam called both phones again and again and again and again...

“We’re sorry but the number you are trying to reach has been disconnected.”