The Combine of Death

The lightning kills Josh. Josh's soul looks down on his body. Off in this distance, a great grey vehicle with a spout on one side approaches him. In front of the vehicle is a large, cylindical wheel with sharp spokes. Josh hovers as the vehicle comes closer.

Josh's soul waves the vehicle down. A skeletal man in black denim overalls and a black Caterpillar feed cap idles the vehicle, and jumps down from his seat. He says, "Hello, young fella. Ya know what I'm here fer, eh?"

"You aren't death, are you?"

"Yea-up."

"What's up with the combine?"

"Gotta keep up with the times, Sonny. Too many folks aroun' nowadays. Combine's a lot more comf'table, too. Even got air conditionin'. Comes in handy if there's a wah."

Josh then got down on his knees, and pled. "Please don't take me. I have not had time to enjoy life, with Scott and the authors of the NEQ tormenting me. Please let me live, so that I might have a storyline where I catch a break."

"Sorry, Josh, but that's m' job. Yer number is up. I gotta take ya."

Josh answered,

1. "Please, PLEASE, spare me."
2. "My I at least see my number?"
3. "If I have to go, I have to go. Could I at least drive the combine?"

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