On his deathbed the man confessed to his crimes, safe in the knowledge that he had escaped any punishment in this life. I simply listened to his admission, then his shaking, pain-wracked breaths and waited for him to awaken to re-live his last day again.

I walk amongst my party guests, watching them anxiously trying to figure out who the sacrifice is going to be that night. I see one place a glass down with a coaster and subtly touch her shoulder as I pass by, followed by eager eyes.

It was a pleasant surprise to find that the dishes were done this morning. It was less pleasant when I remembered that my husband died two weeks ago.