Emilio woke on a gurney in excruciating pain. “Holy Mother of God,” he screamed, clutching his left cheek, which was dripping blood from a lengthy, but precise cut.

Emilio was flanked by two men in gowns and surgical masks, one holding a bloody scalpel. Although he could not see their mouths, their eyes suggested surprise.

“Are you with the Federales?” Emilio asked trembling.
“No we are with the Coroner’s Office” said one of the masked men.
What are you doing? Emilio asked.
“We were performing your autopsy before you rudely interrupted us,” said the other masked man.
“Autopsy?” asked Emilio?
“Yes, you are dead.”
“I am not dead.”
“You are dead. We have the paperwork. Jose show him the paperwork.”
One of the masked men held a sheet front of his face. “See?â€? said the masked man, “The box marked ‘dead’ is checked.”
“But that is incorrect”, shouted Emilio.
“You may file an appeal with the Department.”
When? Asked Emilio.
“After we finish our autopsy. Please lie back down.”