Have you ever woken up one day and known that you were going to die? For some people, every day could be their last. They try to make the best of their lives and make a difference in the world or at least try to.
Me? I guess my story is just a bit different.
I woke up on a lazy Sunday and sat up in my bed. My hair a rat's nest and my blanket strewn over the side of the bed. The sun was barely up and it was one of those days that I got up before my alarm clock; which in my experience means its either going to be a great day or a horrible one.
It was horrible.
I looked at my disheveled self in the mirror on the opposite side of the room. For a second my eyesight sharpened. I could see every blemish and bump on my face. I stared my pathetic reflection and scrutinized every imperfection. I saw the sunlight pouring in through the windows and let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I looked back to the mirror and I saw something there. I'm not sure what it was, but I knew. I knew I was going to die.
I wish I could tell you some wicked story about the grim reaper or an angel standing above me but sadly, my life isn't that exciting. For some reason, the news wasn't all too shocking. My eyes widened a bit but that was about it. I just got up, took a shower and read the newspaper. It was just another day in the life Of Judy Bloome. Oh and before you start, yes, I know my name is 'like that one author'. No I'm not related to Judy Blume. She's not my mother or my Aunt or whatever. Other than sharing a similar name, she and I have nothing in common. Now we've got that cleared, let's get on to more important things. Where was I? Ah, right. Dying.
I made myself a nice cup of coffee and headed over to the mailbox. I only check it on Sundays because apart from my Mother, the only people who send me letters are charities and if I'm lucky, the neighbor's mail sometimes gets mixed with mine. He's one of the cutest guys on the block. A boy-next-door, smiles at everyone type of guy. So no complaints about that. Every time I bring his mail over, he shoots me one of those adorable grins and scratches his scruffy brown hair, apologizing on behalf of the mailman. But he has never asked me out for coffee. I mean, I totally understand. It's not like I'm drop-dead gorgeous but a girl's got to hope, right?
When I opened the mailbox that day I found a small package. I figured Mom sent me over a pair of gloves she'd knitted. Written on the white manila folder were six words which read "The Last Day of Your Life". There was no sending or receiving address though, which was kind of creepy but I wasn't fazed by it. Turning the bulky folder over in my hands, I made my way inside. I dropped it onto the dining table before I sat down for breakfast. I figure they fill the marshmallows in Lucky Charms with drugs. It's the only logical explanation that I find acceptable. If you don't believe that then I'd have to say, it's because of Leprechaun magic.
I am most definitely kidding, or maybe not. You can never tell with writing these days.
Anyways, the mail held a golden kaleidoscope with a small note folded in half tied around it with blue ribbon. On the front of the note was a weird emblem. It looked Greek but I couldn't be sure. The only Greek I know is beta, gamma and phi. The writing inside was similar to the one on the folder; swirly font with hard strokes at each curve. The i's were dotted with perfect little swishes of ink. I could tell the person was in a hurry to send this because they hadn't waited for the ink to dry before closing the note. Small stains spread over the paper where the pen bled a little too much. The note read,
Judy,
Most people do not have the fortune of knowing precisely at which moment they will cease to exist. You are blessed with this gift so you must surely know that the end is near. But it is wise to remember that when given an opportunity, we must not waste it. You will know what I mean when the moment is right. Enjoy the remainder of your time and do not spare even a moment.
As you already know, time is running out.
Tick-tock.
With Best Regards.
