I answered the call
at work for him.

"His boy has been
in a swimming accident,"
the authority declared.
"Can you relay the message?"

After several attempts
I located the father.

I solemnly
repeated the words
"Your boy has been
in a swimming accident."

"You're kidding!" he replied.
"No. I'm not," I said.

"Is this a joke?!"
he demanded of me.
"No, he's at the hospital."
The father abruptly hung up.

I sat there sadly
for him

for the boy
for myself
questioning
"Am I that incredulous a human being?" .

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