The Cards of Death

Summer finally arrived and Jim Edwards and his friends Dan, Bob, and Steve, all decided they would take a ride cross-country on a 19th-century train that was refurbished to attract tourists and show what it was like to travel on a train from that era. Jim wanted to celebrate their retirement together on a piece of history that had been forgotten.

Jim called Dan and told him to make sure Bob and Steve were at his house by three p.m. because the train left at four p.m.

The weather was beautiful outside, perfect for a train ride. Jim got out his suitcase packed his belongings loaded his suitcase in his trunk and drove to Dan's house to pick up his buddies, who were waiting for his arrival. Jim pulled into Dan's driveway and honked his horn to let his buddies know he was outside waiting on them. Dan, Bob, and Steve brought out their suitcases loaded them into Jim's trunk got in the car, and drove to the train station for a fun-filled week of gazing at the beautiful scenery as the train traveled through the mountains of many states along the way. Little did these friends know that their retirement trip on the train would send them into a world of the unknown.

Finally, Jim and his friends arrived at the train station fifteen minutes before the train's departure, so they had enough time to check in their luggage and board the train.

Jim said, "Is everyone ready for a great experience?"

Everyone said "Yes!"

Jim and his friends boarded the train and the train blew its whistle and then slowly picked up speed down the railway through the tunnel. Jim and his friends were excited to be traveling together as friends on a 19th-century train. Everything was going fine until a stranger entered their coach seating compartment and put his carry-on bag above Jim and Dan, and said "I hope you all don't mind if I share your compartment because the other compartments are full."

Jim replied, "I think that will be alright."

Steve chimed in and said, "What is your name?"

The stranger replied as he chuckled, "Dr. Death."

Everyone started laughing and Bob asked, "How did you get that name?"

"Because of these cards, as the cards spilled out onto the cabin floor," replied Dr. Death.

The men laughed and Dan stood up and got on his knees to help Dr. Death pick up his cards of death.

Dr. Death sat down on the seat and asked "Would anyone like to play?"

Steve chimed in and said, "Sure, sounds like a lot of fun."

Dan said "I know what kind of cards these are. They’re Tarot cards and I've seen a fortune teller use these and I think it’s just entertainment. There is no truth to what these cards can do."

Dr. Death chuckled and said "No! You are mistaken young man. These cards are the cards of death, and if you play these cards will tell you how you will die."