The corpse sat up, causing the sheet that had covered it to fall silently to the floor.
Naturally, the forensic pathologist was shocked by this unexpected event, but at the same time intrigued. After all, it was his job to play a most important role in the investigation of any death by examining the body of the deceased in order to determine the cause of death. It was all part of assisting with the reconstruction of the circumstances in which any such death occurred.
The dead person, and the thing now sitting sideways on the metal trolley with legs dangling, certainly looked like a dead person, began to mumble.
“…was boiling potatoes…,” Then came a long pause. “…pain in chest…” Another pause. “…left the hot plate on…”
In a soothing voice, the pathologist said, “I’m sure the ambulance personnel would have seen it, if anything was left on.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Quite sure. Can I get you to lay back down?”
It went back into a lying position, whispering, “You’re sure?”
“Yes,” he replied, as he casually felt for a pulse, finding none. “Yes,” he repeated, “but I’ll have that checked for you.”
“Would you?”
“Yes.”
He heard a murmured, “Thank you.” as he pulled the cover up.
That evening the pathologist went home early.