For this week’s Trifecta challenge, I’m teaming up with two of my favorite writers to bring you a spooktacular (yes, I said spooktacular) Halloween trilogy. Our instructions are simple. Create a story between 33 and 333 words using the 3rd definition of the following word:
1a : a permanent cessation of all vital functions : the end of life
b : an instance of dying <a disease causing many deaths>
2a : the cause or occasion of loss of life <drinking was the death of him>
b : a cause of ruin <the slander that was death to my character — Wilkie Collins>
3 capitalized : the destroyer of life represented usually as a skeleton with a scythe
And, before you read any further, I will explain that my entry represents the third and final installment of this story. Thus, I strongly encourage you to read Part 1 (penned by my friend, Mel at AccordingToMags) and Part 2 (penned by the incomparable El Guapo) before mine. Only then can my entry be best appreciated. Enjoy!
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Death Takes A Holiday – Part 3
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Death and George crowded into the restaurant while Nausea headed over to the bar. “I can do some real damage in there. They’re running a tequila special,” he called out, running ahead of the other two.
“Dimwitted dilettante,” Death condescended under his noxious breath. George laughed, remembering a time when his old friend had that same insatiable glimmer in his apocalyptic eye. “Why are you smiling, George?” Death asked, as the hostess escorted them to their usual booth. “Are you amused by his enthusiasm … or have I unintentionally entertained you in some way?”
“Don’t you remember?” George began. “There were none more eager than you. But now … CPR, defibrillators, the Heimlich Maneuver. Why have you allowed these measures to interrupt your delicate work?” George was just getting started when the waitress interrupted him. “Good evening, gentlemen. Will anyone else be joining you?” Nausea was now bellying up to his third victim since they’d arrived. “No. Just the two of us,” answered Death, matter of-factly. “And we’d like to start with a couple of glasses of Richebourg Grand Cru.”
“Yes, of course, sir. Are we celebrating anything special?” she asked. “Yes,” answered Death. “My friend and I are celebrating my first holiday. A day off for Death. Do you know there’s no way you can die today, young lady?”
“I beg your pardon?” she stammered.
“I said that you cannot die today.” Death explained. “There is nothing you or anyone else can do to make that happen. Do you understand?”
Mouth agape, she managed, “I’ll be right back with your drinks,” then turned too quickly directly into a busboy and the business end of the steak knife he was carrying.
Death rolled his eyes. He placed his hand on her bleeding abdomen. “I said nothing,” he reiterated, clearly vexed at the need to prove himself. He removed his hand from her now unscathed stomach and returned to his seat.
“Wow,” said George. “I’m impressed. I didn’t think you had it in you.”
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OldDogNewTits 
This was a fun trifecta of stories. You all did a great job making Death look like a harried, overworked boss.
Thanks, Tara. His responsibilities have certainly been picking up over the years.
I like Death as a cynical, been there/done that palooka. Good pacing and way to kill it with the ending. The trifecta for trifecta was triple good.
Thanks, Lance. I haven’t had a chance to troll the entries yet. You in?
yes…Interstate Love Song
you guys did a great job 🙂 very entertaining..
Thanks, Lizzie. It was a fun, little experiment.
I loved all three of your connected stories. Great idea. And all are well done as I wanted to follow the story. Nice writing here.
Thanks, Stephanie. It took some doing and a little adjusting here and there but we managed in three parts of the country via email to get it done. God bless technology.
I so enjoy Nausea in our stories. You put it best. He is a “Dimwitted dilettante”. Also, your twist at the end with the “business end” of the knife was a brilliant touch.
This was so much fun! I’m glad it worked! Go, us!!
Thanks, Mel. I like the idea of Death being a condescending, eye-rolling jackass … and yet still somehow likeable.
I love that you have impetuous nausea provoking drunks to barf, while the mature Death just wants to sit back and chill with a nice wine! Perfect. You guys did great!
Thanks, Lumdog. That’s exactly what I was trying to accomplish. Glad to see it resonated. In my original (lengthy) draft, there was mention of the overworked maintenance crew in the bar bathrooms that evening. I didn’t think it was really necessary so it wound up on the cutting room floor. 🙂
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I agree with Mel – Nausea was fun – from the popsicle, to the snappiing gum to the dimwitted dilletante.
I really enjoyed doing this, and you made it come together perfectly at the end!
Nausea was the Gilligan to Death’s Skipper. 🙂
Really just can’t stop laughing. the three of you hit the Trifecta!
Thanks, Amy. It was a lot of fun. I’m lucky to know the other two amigos. 🙂
Absolutely brilliant!
I love thinking of Death annoyed and trying to get a day off!
really enjoyed the trilogy of trifecta stories about death and his cronies 🙂
thoroughly enjoyed your tale in three parts!
♥
That was great! I enjoyed reading all three parts. Fun project. :+)
Oh lord, my favorite part was about all the lifesaving techniques. Too funny. Needless to say, I never looked at those things in this way before. Great job with the collaboration. I love your sense of community. Thanks for sharing it here.
I really enjoyed reading this one – I could almost hear the boredom in Death’s voice (with a slight British accent, maybe?)
I like that take. Either that or as Donald Sutherland. 🙂