Elise and Dan in “The Animal Shelter”

[at home] Hello?

It's Dan. I've got some good news and some bad news.

Is Chris with you?

Chris isn't really with us anymore. He's dead.

WHAT?

Well, not dead, but poisoned.

POISONED?!

But the hospital thinks he has a broken arm.

You're not making any sense!

Yes, I really should have planned out what I'd say before I called you.

Is Chris okay?

No, he's dead. I mean, no, he's not.

Where are you?

I'm at a pay phone.

And where is Chris?

I don't know. They took him. Down the hall somewhere, I think.

[pops the stress toy and angrily panics quietly] Are you at the hospital?

Of course! What have I been saying this whole time?

[angrily] I'll be there in 5 minutes, and I am not happy!

Like I am? [ends the phone call]