The Suicide Club

A friend of mine had invited me to a party. I was hesitant at first, but his firm, cold tone would soon arouse my curiosity. Without taking it too seriously, I agreed. Besides, I was looking for a break from the time and stress of my two full time jobs.
Not knowing where I was going, I followed my friend in my car. This was to give me the freedom to leave on my own if necessary.
We drove for miles and miles, clear out of town. When we arrived at our destination, I was surprised to see an old two-story Victorian home in the middle of the woods. There were other cars present, but it did not have a festive, party-like atmosphere.
"Let me guess, 'Blair Witch Project-The Reunion'," I joked. My friend laughed, but added nothing more.
We approached the door.
"Good evening gentlemen. You have been expected.",came a voice from within.
The door opened, and a tall, distinguished man looked confidently at the both of us.
"My name is Morris, and I am your host for this evenings activities."
He turned to my friend, and added, "Your task here is completed. You are free to leave."
I thought, 'What in the world is going on here?'
Before I had a chance to ask, Morris was staring directly at me.
"Are you familiar with the story of 'The Suicide Club'?"
'Mine own executioner.', I thought.
"Yeah, somewhat.", I answered curiously.
"Then, I bid you welcome.", he said, as he stepped aside, allowing me to pass. I did not enter so quick. Morris turned, and stared at me once more.
"How often does one get the opportunity to play God?"

I was intrigued, and I wanted the chance to cheat this version of Death. I mean, come on, this can't be for real, can it?

What is God's true name?

Morris spoke, as if reading my mind. "You are free to look around. As you will notice, there are no weapons of any kind here."
"And you call this, 'The Suicide Club'?" I then added, "I suppose we kill ourselves over the internet."
Morris did not look amused.
As we walked down a long corridor, I had to ask, "Why would I want to die?"
Morris did not answer.
"Well then, how will I die?"
"It is painless, yet according to your wishes. But most likely in your sleep. You will find that we are a through, yet effective kind of service."
"How much is this going to cost?"
"We receive payment for your discarded articles. In addition to you own life, of course."
"And if I don't die? Is there a refund?", I cynically added.
"Patience, my friend. All in due time.", he smiled, as we approached "Deaths" door.

Morris opened the door to a very small, well lit, stifling hot room. There were several people around an oval table that was about the size of the room itself. Morris excused himself, and went to another adjacent room.
I had time to get somewhat acquainted with the other participants.
Among them were, a homeless man, an overweight woman, a very thin, young woman, a very sickly, smelly man, and an older man who seemed more distinguished than my host. I would learn that he was wealthy beyond his means. "Yes, I too can afford to die.", said he.
As we sat, I looked at each and every one of them. These characters that were to be cast into the next world...
Our host emerged from the room holding only a deck of cards.
"For those who are here for the first time, the rules are simple. I deal the cards, face up, at random, clockwise.", he pointed to his left. "The person who receives the Ace of Spades will have their dying wish fulfilled."
You only go around once in life, so you have to go for all the gusto you can get until we meet our...

...our Ace of Spades?

The deal commenced.
The room was silent as the cards were placed directly in front of each person. Upon the deal of my card, however, I had to say, somberly, "You've gotta be kiddin'."
"Er, pardon me. My mistake." Morris said in a serious tone, as he picked up my "Joker" card.
I did notice a slight grin, as he laid my new card in front: Jack of Clubs.
On this night, the death card fell on to the overweight woman. From the look on her face, a great burden seemed to have been lifted.
"Come with me, please.", instructed Morris. Both were gone instantly.
No one said a word.

Morris returned, after a few minutes, and showed us all out the main door.
"You all have experienced a rare privilege. I should be expecting all of you, plus one new guest tomorrow evening."
As the others left, I stepped aside, and played with Morris.
"Say, wouldn't it be weird if there were all Aces of Spades in the deck? Then, none of us would have to come back.", I mused.
Again, Morris was not amused.
But I went on:
"Also, what happens if one of us should die unexpectedly, before returning tomorrow? And what if something should happen to you?", I pointed.
"You mock the forces of nature. That is why you are here. Until tomorrow..." With that, he firmly shut the door.
I couldn't wait to go back and make fools out of my new playmates.

The following evening we followed the same order of events. I was having such a good time, that I really wasn't paying any attention.
Until I looked at my card.
"Do you dispute the card? The deal?", Morris asked.
"No sir, I do not have a dispute. I have no regrets."
With that, we went into the adjacent room.
Morris and I stood at the crossroads, at the back door. I didn't see my life flash before me, but I did feel my life flow within me. I savored every minute, every second.
"What's going to happen to me?", I said, with some concern.











"You are free to leave.", said Morris
I certainly didn't wait to be told twice. When Morris shut the back door behind him, I ran to my car.
Along the way home, I felt proud of the fact that I had cheated, or shall I say, beaten Death, for now, that is. It was easy. Too easy.

I got back into town, and something had occurred to me.
There were no cars on the road, and no cars running around town. All were parked. This wasn't a holiday, so I drove around for as far as I could go.
I ran to a megaphone. This was no dream.
"Hello."
"Hello..."

"...Hello!", I shouted.

There were no sounds of life at all


Not a soul appeared.



I thought about it as far as I could.





I was left alone.