By David Sydney

“I can’t believe it’s you.”

“It’s me, Ed. I’m back.”

“How long has it been, Mel?” 

At least 20 years before, Mel left town. Now, by chance, Ed had spotted him in front of Giuseppe’s Pizza Parlor and waved him over. 

“Mel Fromberg … You don’t look like you’ve aged more than 30 years.”

“Thanks.” 

The light was poor. Clouds obscured the sun and also the pizza prices posted on Giuseppe’s window. Ed would never treat anyone to a slice, nor would Mel, so they remained standing in front of the plate glass.

“You know, I heard that you might’ve died, Mel.” 

“Died?”

“Yeah… Something about losing control of your car and plunging into a river.”

“Did they say which one?” 

“Delaware, I think.”

Mel’s face twisted. 

“I don’t recall anything like that.”

“It could’ve been near Trenton, now that I remember.”

“Nah… Back then I didn’t go near Trenton too much.” 

“I think they said you were driving a Subaru.”

“No… Whoever died driving a Subaru into the Delaware must have been someone else.”

“I can see that now, Mel.”

“A Subaru’s a good car, but I never drove one… And certainly nowhere near Trenton.”

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David Sydney is a physician who writes fiction in and out of the EHR (Electronic Health Record).