When a policeman observed a coffin in the middle of the sidewalk, he exited his vehicle, went over to it, lifted the lid, and froze in shock
As usual, the sergeant began his shift by giving the dispatcher a brief update and drinking coffee in a paper cup. After years of policing the city’s streets, he was familiar with every lane, bend, and sign that might point to trouble before help could arrive.
The streetlights were reflected in the glass of his black-and-blue patrol vehicle as it drove smoothly over the asphalt. Background noise crackled on the radio. It was all quiet.
He was about to turn west on a calm street when he noticed an odd silhouette up ahead. A coffin was standing in the center of the right lane. A actual, massive, metal-handled wooden coffin.
The sergeant applied the brakes forcefully. Automatically, the caution lights flashed. Slowly, almost automatically, he opened the door after taking the key out of the ignition. He walked out onto the street as the door cracked open. His hand automatically reached for his holster. He had a gut feeling that something was amiss.
He walked gently over to the coffin. Every stride sounded like a dull thud in his ears. His clothing was shifted slightly beneath the protective vest by the wind.
Half a meter away from the thing, he paused. Holding his breath, he leaned forward and cautiously raised the lid. and froze in dread.
There was nothing in the coffin.
And that was the scariest thing. There was emptiness and a subtle scent of fresh varnish, but no corpse or lining within.
Without delay, he radioed the dispatcher. It was soon discovered that a vehicle carrying a number of brand-new coffins for a funeral house had been involved in an accident at the opposite end of the city.
One of the coffins really flew out of the back compartment, crossed the truck bed, and ended up in the center of the road when it struck the curb. Only a few hours later, upon unloading, did the driver realize the loss; he ignored it and continued driving.
However, it wasn’t all.
The sergeant looked over the street camera footage and saw that there were no automobiles or pedestrians within 300 meters of where the coffin first appeared on the road. As though the street had gone silent for a time.
