The alarm clock beside the bed failed, once again to rise Laura from her dreams. When finally she opened her eyes and looked at the clock there was no point in going to work. So, instead, she stretched and turned over, going back to sleep.

‘Bloop.’

Opening her eyes, Laura looked across the room at her computer. The noise it had just made meant that she had e-mail. Sighing, she threw the covers off and walked over to her laptop, bringing up the message. What it said made her go considerably pale:

“My dear Laura Matthews, you have two days to live. I suggest you use your remaining time wisely.”