Uncle Harry had no answering machine because hardly ever called. Most of his friends and relatives already dead. He had outlived them all, even he smoked and drank most of his life. much for all their talk about clean living, sometimes thought.

The only person who talked to Harry regularly was his nephew Teddy. Teddy called times a week, just for a few minutes say hello and see if everything was OK. days Teddy had to call twice or more Uncle Harry didn't answer the first phone call. he finally did get through, Uncle Harry would Teddy for his bad timing. “How do you manage to call me when I'm in the ?” he would ask.

Tuesday morning, Teddy let the ring ten times. He then hung up and back to work. That afternoon he called Uncle again. Again, no answer. A couple of hours , he called again. Still no answer. He called , Uncle Harry’s next-door neighbor.

“Hello,” said Ira.

“Hi, , this is Teddy.”

“Hi, Teddy. How are you?”

“, I’m fine, Ira. But I’m a little worried Uncle Harry. I called him three times today he didn’t answer once. I don’t think he have been in the bathroom all three times, you?”

“No, I don’t think so,” laughed Ira. “ does complain about that, doesn’t he? Anyway, I’ll next door and see what’s up. If he ’t open the door, I know where he hides spare key. I’ll call you back in a , okay?”

“Okay, Ira. Thanks a lot,” Teddy said.

while later, Teddy’s phone rang. It was Ira. sounded shaken. “Teddy, I’m sorry it took so . I have bad news. Harry didn't answer the , so I used his spare key. He was , Teddy. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, my gosh! That’s terrible!”

“ called the hospital, and they told me to the coroner’s office. The coroner said they were , and wouldn’t be able to make it here tomorrow or the day after.”

“What happened? Did fall? Did he die in his sleep? Is lying on the bed with a peaceful look his face?”

“Not exactly, Teddy. He’s lying on bathroom floor with a look of surprise on face. We can move him to his bed . But right now I’ve got to go home, . I think I might be in shock or . I don’t feel right.”