Saturday's Storyteller: "I'm sorry, ma'am, but it looks like we switched out your kidneys for some very expensive speakers."

by Belinda Roddie

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but it looks like we switched out your kidneys for some very expensive speakers."

The response was nothing but the high-pitched hum of the machines flatlining. Doctor Randall Hemingstein paused.

"Ma'am?" He prodded at the IV in her wrist. "Ma'am?"

His companion doctor, Patricia Wendt, groaned and slapped herself on the forehead.

"Randall," she muttered. "She's dead. You put speakers in her body, and now she's dead."

"Oh." Doctor Hemingstein paused and bit his lip. "Ouch. I...wow."

"Yeah." Doctor Wendt clicked her tongue. "That'll be awkward to explain to the family."

The next morning, Doctor Wendt went downstairs for her custom cup of black coffee and the San Francisco Chronicle. She read the obituary for Missus Rena Costa somberly, up until the final line:

"Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 17th, at 3 PM at the Presbyterian church. Be sure to bring your favorite music album, as we will be employing our beloved deceased's newfound speakers to the best of their ability."

Doctor Wendt frowned and stared at her coffee, which she now thought wasn't strong enough. In another household, a black-bedecked relative was building a playlist.

This week's prompt was provided by Daniel Bulone.