I loved this to distraction. The whole idea of a broken cell phone being a conduit to the afterlife, Uncle Tiberius' cole slaw, the dialogue. My only regret is that this isn't LONGER!! This is one which really deserves to be a full length short story.

Thanks so much! And now, of course, snippets of other scenes have started floating around in my head -- Fraser and Ray actually showing up for dinner (via the Consulate closet):

"I thought this was your office, Dad."

"It's your mother's doing, son. She got the redecorating bug and all hell broke loose."

Ray stopped and stared at the photograph of the queen. "Hunh. Nice curtains around this picture. Is this a Canadian thing?"

Bob Fraser shook his head. "It's a Caroline thing. There are curtains hanging on *all* the pictures. She thinks it makes things look more homely." He turned to his son. "Yellow chintz, for the love of Pete!"

"I can't believe you're being so petty, Dad. Come on, Ray. I think Grandmother wants to meet you."

"Don't slow down, son," Bob called after them. "You'll find yourselves draped in yellow chintz!"