Exit Stage Left by Bob Gielow - The Metaworker Literary Magazine

content warnings

references to death, assisted suicide

[938 words]

graphic of a cell phone conversation. Texts say: Person 1: I’ve been thinking about Mom and the prognosis she’s received Person 2: Yeah, me too. I’m kind of devastated here. Person 1: I’m gonna suggest something you might not like Person 2: Good start if you’re trying to sell me on an idea. Person 1: I seriously think she might be interested Person 2: In?

graphic of a cell phone conversation. Texts say: Person 1: My coworker told me about this new service being offered over in Gold Beach I’ll send you the link https://exit stageleft.com/about Person 2: I’ll read this after I get the kids to bed.

graphic of a website viewed on a cell phone. Text says: https://exitstageleft.com/about Had Enough of This World? We understand and are here to help. We are Exit Stage Left®, the only approved end-of-life service provider in southwest Oregon. When your prognosis is terminal* and you no longer want to battle with the cancer (or any other incurable disease you might have), we can provide the dignified and joyful send-off you deserve.

graphic of a website viewed on a cell phone. Text says: Exit Stage Left offers the following services to our clients. - Gourmet meals for you and your loved ones in the week leading to your departure (ask about our menu, request your favorites, or have loved ones prepare one or more meals in our state-of-the-art kitchen). - Function rooms to host farewell gatherings of up to 250 (a DJ can be provided to play your favorite songs and we will set up your chosen decorations). - Free transportation to Gold Beach from anywhere in Oregon for you, your spouse, and children. - Reduced rates for multi-night stays at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel four blocks from Exit Stage Left.

graphic of a website viewed on a cell phone. Text says: - Reserved and private, indoor and outdoor spaces to relive memories and grieve with loved ones, including paved paths and benches with views of the Pacific Ocean. - Support from Gerontological Society of America (GSA) approved counselors. - Comfort and care from clergy representing multiple religious denominations. - Medical staff experienced in administering one of two quick and painless, end-of-life procedures. - Variety of attractive urns to choose from, plus delivery to preselected ash-scattering locations across the globe (for an additional fee).

graphic of a website viewed on a cell phone. Text says: Residents of California and other states, along with non-US citizens, are not eligible for Exit Stage Left’s services. To document Oregon residency, clients must provide a Driver’s License or a utility bill (e.g., electric or phone bill) with their name and a street address (no PO boxes). Our thanks to the voters of Oregon for approving the expansion of assisted suicide rights to include concierge services like those of Exit Stage Left.

graphic of a website viewed on a cell phone. Text says: * A “terminal diagnosis” must be documented with an “Affidavit for End Of Life Prognosis,” signed by two doctors who are licensed to practice in Oregon hospitals, along with a seal and signature from a Notary Public, as required by HB2706 from June of 2026. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us via email or call the number below. EXIT STAGE LEFT | 428 Quarry Rd, Gold Beach, OR 97444 (800) EXITLFT or 394-8538 | info@exitstageleft.com

graphic of a cell phone conversation. Texts say: Person 2: What the hell Brian! You want our Mom to kill herself? She was just diagnosed at the end of April! Really?!? Person 1: Please hear me out She’s told me on numerous occasions how she does not want to suffer or be drugged up “at the end” Plus, she’s talked about how she does not want to be a burden to us

graphic of a cell phone conversation. Texts say: Person 1: She has stage IV bone cancer and, from what I’ve read, will begin to feel even more pain than what she is experiencing now Person 2: The meds can significantly reduce the pain, though! Person 1: Yes but not entirely Person 2: I thought she was going to begin receiving drugs stronger than the codeine, like fentanyl. Person 1: Yes, according to her doctor, but bone cancer is supposed to be especially painful and it’s in both her hips and her spine! If those drugs are working, they will likely also be knocking her out She does not want to spend her final days completely loopey

graphic of a cell phone conversation. Texts say: Person 1: Besides all that, the doctor said it was a strong possibility she will experience incontinence. Person 2: Mom cares way too much about the two of us, and her four grandchildren, to end her life over a bit of pain. Person 1: Maybe, but she might also like to avoid having her family sit around and watch her suffer And become less and less with it mentally Person 2: You do know that killing yourself is a sin! Person 1: And you know that the Catholic Church's labels are of no concern to me

graphic of a cell phone conversation. Texts say: Person 2: You have to agree with me, then, that Mom’s life is way too precious to purposely end it. Whether you believe in God or not, you have to believe that human life is worthy of protection. I would have thought you would sacrifice a great deal to keep Mom alive. Person 1: I would, unless she is suffering and comes to the conclusion that her life is no longer worth living Person 2: I would not have imagined that you could be so heartless! Remember when you took in that injured kitten we found in the alley, after we had moved to Corvalis? You cared very much about that creature’s life.

graphic of a cell phone conversation. Texts say: Person 1: I did, and I care even more about Mom’s life Person 2: It does not seem like it right now. Person 1: Well, my care for Mom is leading me to conclude that she needs to understand all of her end-of-life options Make no mistake, this is the end of her life Person 2: I know that. I simply want as much time with her as I can have. Person 1: Do you want her to suffer so you can have that time? Person 2: But how can any of us predict how much she’ll really suffer?

graphic of a cell phone conversation. Texts say: Person 1: Maybe this wine is giving me the courage, but I am calling her now Person 2: NO!!! Let’s you and I talk first! Call me! You are such a bastard! Brian? What did she say?

Bob Gielow writes fiction using non-traditional formats that he wishes were real. A college administrator by day, living on the New Hampshire seacoast, Bob (he/him) spins tales in formats we all use when communicating with each other: text messages, emails, fictional Wikipedia posts, and diary entries all allow him to be clinical and thorough in describing his characters, their thinking and actions … without diminishing his ability to explore the resulting human emotions. Bob has over 30 short stories published in numerous online and print publications.

Graphics created by Cerid Jones

**PLEASE NOTE: This artwork is copyright of the artist. If you wish to use their artwork, please contact them to obtain specific usage rights PRIOR to using their art, and always give proper attribution.**

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