Whose Life Is It

Abstract

Do you owe others your continued living? In this philosophical short story fiction, Danny opens a disturbing letter from his elderly sister. He immediately rushes to his car, his wife chasing after him. He frantically drives to his sister’s house as his wife, in a panic, reads the letter that prompted Danny’s urgency. It is a letter from Danny’s sister saying goodbye. At 70+ years old, she is bored with life and is ready to die. She isn’t sick, she is simply choosing non-participation. Danny argues it is selfish for her to end her life, while his wife is more understanding. His wife argues that a life without purpose might not be worth living, and that it’s not selfish to end your life when you are ready to do so. Danny and his wife arrive at his sister’s door and Danny attempts to break it down while his wife tries to calm him, and explain the letter is postmarked four days ago. His sister is already dead.