Some months later, David woke up to the phone ringing. He cracked open one eye and reached for the phone, but it stopped just as his fingers brushed the smooth plastic. He considered bringing up the Caller ID, but decided to go back to sleep. Groaning, he rolled away and fell back to sleep.

The phone rang again.

Grumbling, he rolled over. Snatching it up, he brought it to his ear. “What?”

But, he could only hear the clicking of the other end being hung up. Rolling his eyes, he flipped the phone over and inspected the Caller ID.

Terrance.

He tossed the phone on the side table. Then picked it up again. He didn't want to hear a third call. He hit the dial back button and waited.

A few rings later, Terrance answered the phone in a worried voice. “Give me a bit more t… oh, hi, David.”

“Hey, dude, what's up.”

Terrance let out a sigh, “David! I was hoping you were home.”

“What's up?”

“Um… David…?”

David felt a prickle of worry; Terrance never hesitated when he asked questions. Actually, Terrance didn't really think about anything before doing something. He sat up in his bed and transferred the phone to his other ear.

“What's wrong?”

“You still have that weregild, right? The coin that Victor gave you?”

David shrugged as he answered, “Sure, I have—” his voice trailed off as he checked the computer next to the phone, “—exactly 2.104 lives.”

Terrance hesitated for a long moment before he spoke again. “Could I, um, would you give them to me? I mean, could I sell you something for them?”

The prickling fear turned into genuine concern for his friend. “What happened?”

“I, um, I'll tell you later.”

“I'll be over,” announced David but Terrance had already hung up the phone.