The Birthday Card

You receive a birthday card. When opened, the card begins to sing a song. The card has a chip with a pre-recorded song. You hate the song, and furthermore the song won't stop. It will not stop when the card is closed, nor does the song end. It loops without even a break or fade, and gets louder and louder as the chorus comes around. The card will not shut up.

“Stop singing!” you demand.

It won't shut up. You can't take it. You try to run, but the card follows.

The card won't give up chase. It sings all day and all night.

Then you disappear. You cannot be found.

Thirty-three years later, at a distant cliff face, you are naked and repeatedly hitting the cliff with a large rock. You carve the chorus of the song, again and again, into the hard stone.

At the top of the cliff, the card stands watch, still singing.