To: All Staff
From: Dr. Marlene Tan
Date: September 23
Re: Eleanor Magno
Memo # 18486
Greetings!
I would like to make it clear that Mrs. Eleanor Magno had asked for a lethal dose of Secobarbital since the first day of her confinement. She was adamant about it.
The rumors aren’t true. The hospital didn’t murder anyone. In light of recent events and our sudden popularity in the public eye, I advise everyone to do the ff. things:
• Do not talk to any of the press.
• Avoid talking to other staff in public areas.
• If asked by family or friends, remind them of the new law regarding assisted deaths.
• Do not disclose to anyone what room she was in.
• If you have questions, ask your department head.
• Do not say her name out loud in hospital premises.
• If asked about her ailment, change the topic.
• Do not approach me when you see me.
• When a family member demands to see Mrs. Magno’s records, tell them their mother left specific instructions to ignore them. (If they become violent, direct them to my office.)
• If hit by a protestor’s sign, report it to your department head.
• Do not bring the Ouija boards you find on the main steps inside.
• For the people who were witnesses, do not describe her appearance before and after she died to anyone.
• Remember, she didn’t have any chance of recovery.
Her last words were, I don’t want to talk about dying anymore. I suggest we do the same.
Sincerely,
Austere Rex Gamao is from the Philippines. He has self-published zines of flash fiction and observational cartoons.