The End or Something Like That Read Free Page A

talking. “And this guy went to Harvard and look what it says, look.”
    I wished she would stop.
    I wished she would just stop.
    But I put on my glasses and started reading.
    Dr. Ted Farnsworth is the leading expert in near-death experiences (NDE). He has documented thousands of NDE and is known for his theories on communication and the afterlife. In 1996, he developed a world-renowned program BEYOND TALKING that allows terminally ill patients to create a visitation path with their loved ones. Through proper training and preparation, the newly deceased can continue their relationships with the living.
    Kim tapped the computer screen. “See?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou really can talk to dead people.”
    Above the text was a picture of Dr. Ted Farnsworth.
    He looked like a sixty-year-old trying hard to be a forty-year-old: his skin orange, his hair blond, a thick mustache, and bright white teeth because he was smiling. Hard.
    â€œHe looks creepy,” I said.
    â€œHe does not look creepy,” Kim said. “He looks professional.”
    She scrolled down. “Read this,” she said, pointing to a testimonial.
    My husband passed away on Christmas Day. We knew it was coming and read Dr. Farnsworth’s books beforehand. Thanks to Dr. Farnsworth, I have had the pleasure of talking to my Henry several times since his passing. This life is not the end! The program has changed both of our lives.
    â€”Cheryl Eastman
    â€œKim,” I said, trying not to be mean, “there is no way this is true.”
    She wasn’t listening. She sat on her foot now and said, “Read this one. Read this one.”
    My daughter Barbie died unexpectedly. We were devastated but, through Dr. Ted’s program, my wife and myself have both been able to communicate with her. We can’t thank Dr. Ted enough for the work he’s done.
    â€”Josh Timms
    The next one was worse.
    I love my boyfriend, and when he died I thought my life was over! I was so wrong. So so wrong. Dr. Ted Farnsworth’s program is amazing! Life doesn’t have to end when we die!!!!!!!!!
    â€”Erica Stevens
    My head started to ache. “I think Joe’s back,” I said.
    She kept scrolling down, like she didn’t hear.
    Then she said, “He’s coming to Vegas.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œHe’s coming,” she said. “It’s not for months but that’s okay. We’ll have time to get ready.”
    She clicked on his events page.
    Come meet Dr. Ted Farnsworth for yourself! Presenting his groundbreaking, life-changing, heartwarming work, Dr. Ted will be speaking about his program BEYOND TALKING at Circus Circus Resort in Las Vegas. Tickets are only $99.99 per person for this three-hour presentation and includes a copy of Dr. Ted’s new bestselling book, Crossing the Veil, How Death Does Not Need to Be the End. February 12.
    She turned and looked at me. “We have to go,” she said.
    I stared at her. “You’re not serious.”
    â€œI’m totally serious.” She turned back and clicked on his bio again. “I want to go,” she said.
    â€¢
    People used to talk about me and Kim.
    They never fight. They never disagree. They never get jealous. It’s like they were made for each other.
    We were made to be best friends.
    I used to be proud of that.
    Nothing was ever wrong between me and Kim. Ever.
    Until she decided to die.

• 12 •
    In front of the bus outside the mortuary, the hot air rushed at me and I felt like my knees were going out.
    I looked up the street.
    I looked down the street.
    We were on the outskirts of the city now. Desolate and palm trees. Everything brown and dirty.
    â€œAre you okay?” Skeeter asked. He touched my arm. Then he took it away. Then he put it back. Then he took it away.
    I looked at him. “What are you doing?”
    I almost forgot I’d seen Ms. Dead Homeyer, he was acting so