第二章：作為死者
Chapter 2: Being Dead
當我的頭猛然撞向地面時，我感覺到自己完全沉浸在一種奇妙的涼爽之中，就像浸泡在水中一般。我感到無比輕盈，彷彿在空中漂浮。我有種在坐起來的錯覺，四處張望，試圖看清身邊的一切，但似乎一切都被濃霧籠罩。
As soon as my head hit the ground, I felt my being completely immersed in a sense of wonderful coolness—like water. I felt weightless, like I was floating in the air. I had the sensation that I was sitting up, and looked around me, trying to see something—anything—but it was as if everything was hidden in a fog.
當濃霧逐漸散去，我發現自己正俯瞰著 Dairy Queen 用餐區內正在上演的一場戲劇。那感覺就像是坐在舒適的椅子上觀看電影，而導演決定從上方拍攝每一個鏡頭。但我同時確信，自己所看到的正是真實發生的一切。
When the fog gradually cleared, I was looking down at a drama unfolding below me in the dining area of the Dairy Queen. It was like I was watching a movie from a comfortable chair, and the director had decided to shoot every scene from above. But I was also certain that what I was watching was happening in real life.
我全神貫注於眼前的一切，以至於連自己處境的詭異也未曾冒出腦海，就如同在夢境中接受所有發生的事情，不論多麼超現實。
My attention was so focused on what was happening below me that the strangeness of my situation never crossed my mind, much as when you are in a dream and accept everything that occurs, no matter how surreal.
我見到 Rob 散落在一個卡座的桌上，他的嘔吐物覆蓋了桌面、座椅以及地面，餐廳的員工們手忙腳亂，情緒驟然高漲。我能感受到他們的各種情緒：擔憂、恐懼、焦慮與無助。我特別能感受到那位年輕經理的苦惱，他身材高瘦，棕色短髮邊緣染上了淺色，嬰兒藍的雙眸頻頻向上四望，仿佛在求上帝的救助。他不斷地在心中思忖：「這傢伙要死了，而這一切將在我眼皮底下發生。」我彷彿也能聽到一個女人的聲音在他腦海中迴盪：「如果你不離開這份工作，你永遠無法有所成就。」我隱約知道，那聲音屬於他的母親。
I saw Rob sprawled over the table of a booth, his vomit covering the table, the seats, and the floor. The restaurant’s workers were frantic. I could feel their emotions: worry, fear, concern, helplessness. I could especially feel the angst of the teenage manager. He was tall and skinny with short brown hair, the edges of his bangs frosted with highlights. His baby-blue eyes kept looking up, as if asking for God’s help. He kept thinking, “This guy is going to die, and on my watch.” And I could hear a woman’s voice running through his mind, “If you don’t get out of this job, you’re going nowhere.” I somehow knew that the voice belonged to his mother.
當急救團隊衝進門時，我能感受到員工們鬆了口氣，雖然我明白他們仍對那位昏迷倒在桌上的可憐年輕人心存憂慮。
I could feel the workers’ relief when a paramedic team rushed through the door. It was suddenly no longer their concern, though I was aware that they were still worried about the poor young man lying unconscious on the table.
急救人員將 Rob 抬上擔架後，迅速將他送上等待中的救護車，警笛大作，車速飛快離去。
The medics loaded Rob onto a gurney then rushed him out to the waiting ambulance and sped away, sirens blaring.
我十分擔心 Rob，試圖跟上去，但卻無法行動。每當我試圖移動，無論向哪個方向，都有一股看不見的力量彷彿用繩索牽住我，使我無法超出 Dairy Queen 的範圍。
I was worried about Rob and tried to follow, but I couldn’t. Every time I tried to move, no matter what direction, some invisible cord prevented me from going beyond the Dairy Queen.
隨後我注意到廁所地板上躺著一具年輕男子的屍體，他也沾滿了嘔吐物。我立刻知道他已經死了。那具屍體的頸部腫脹將近與頭部同寬，皮膚呈現暗紫色，臉頰上還散布著黃色斑點。這具屍體看上去極為怪異，彷彿是 B 級恐怖電影中那種廉價的道具，根本不可能是真實的。我頗為同情這個男子，但卻完全不知道他是誰。
Then I noticed the motionless body of a young man lying on the bathroom floor. He was covered in vomit, too. I knew immediately that he was dead. The body’s neck was swollen nearly to the width of the head, and his skin was mottled deep purple, with yellow blotches on the cheeks. The body I was looking at was so grotesque that it appeared fake, like a cheap prop in a B-grade horror movie. I felt pity for the man. I had no idea who he was.
我將注意力轉回到餐廳的用餐區，看到一個大約十六、七歲的女孩正擦拭桌面上的嘔吐物。她的草莓金髮挽成一個髮髻，一件黑色圍裙覆蓋在她藍色制服襯衫和黑色長褲的前面。經理走到她身邊，手裡拿著一個桶子和拖把。隨著他們投入日常清潔工作，我感受到他們的情緒逐漸平靜下來。
I turned my attention back to the dining area of the restaurant and saw a girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen, wiping up the vomit on the table. Her strawberry blonde hair was tied in a bun, and a black apron covered the front of her blue uniform shirt and black pants. The manager walked over to her, carrying a bucket and mop. I felt their emotions start to calm down as they immersed themselves in the routine of the work.
正當他們清理卡座時，一對中年夫妻走進來，我可以看出他們已婚。見到清理工作正在進行，他們稍作猶豫，但仍走向櫃檯點餐。等到餐點送上後，他們便在靠近廁所的卡座上就座，一邊用餐，一邊聊著他們兒子的新婚妻子。
While they cleaned the booth, a middle-aged couple entered. I could tell they were married. They hesitated when they saw the cleanup in progress but stepped up to the counter and ordered. When their food was ready, they sat down in a booth near the bathroom. I listened to them talking about their son’s new wife while they ate.
過了一會兒，男士起身走向廁所。當他發現廁所門鎖著後，他回到座位繼續談話。大約五分鐘後，他再次嘗試去廁所。他的需求越來越迫切，這次當他回到座位時，目光一直停留在廁所門口。他等待了大約十五分鐘後變得焦躁，用拳頭猛敲廁所門，四下聽尋回應，卻只聽見廁所裡傳來電話鈴聲。於是他走向收銀台。
After a while, the husband stood and walked over to the bathroom. When he found it was locked, he returned to his seat and resumed the conversation. About five minutes later, he tried again. His need to use the bathroom was growing, and this time when he returned to his seat, he remained focused on the door. He waited for another fifteen minutes before he grew impatient and pounded on the door with his fist. He listened for a response and heard a phone ringing in the bathroom. He walked over to the cashier.
「我覺得廁所裡可能出了問題，門鎖著，而我聽見電話響個不停，可是沒有人接。」
“I think someone might be in trouble in the bathroom. The door is locked, and I can hear a phone ringing, but no one is answering.”
收銀員說：「我這就告訴經理。」
“I’ll let the manager know,” the cashier said.
我從高處俯瞰，只見經理從牆上掛鉤上取下鑰匙，從廚房走向廁所門口，輕敲了門。沒有人回應。他又敲了一次，然後解開了門鎖。
I looked down from above as the manager grabbed the keys from the hook on the wall and walked from the kitchen to the bathroom door. He knocked. No response. He knocked again, then unlocked the door.
當門向內打開時，露出了那具屍體。他立刻明白眼前就是一具死屍。
The door swung inward to reveal the body. He knew he was looking at a dead man.
經理驚呼：「哦，我的上帝，我們又有一個了。Amanda，快打 911！」
“Oh, my God,” the manager gasped. “We have another one. Amanda, call 911!”
那位女孩從牆上的充電座上拿起無線手持電話，迅速撥打號碼，「我們有緊急情況，請立即派一輛救護車。」她匆匆報出地址，然後走向在廁所外站著的經理，將電話遞給他。
The girl grabbed the cordless handset from its cradle on the wall and punched in the numbers. “We have an emergency. We need another ambulance right away.” She rattled off the address as she walked to where the manager stood outside the bathroom and handed him the phone.
經理說：「喂？是的，我是經理。嗯，好的。」他轉向那位女孩說：「他們說要檢查一下他的手腕是否有脈搏。」
“Hello? Yes, I’m the manager. Uh huh. Okay.” He turned to the girl. “They’re saying to check for a pulse on his wrist.”
她只是呆呆地盯著他。
She just stared at him.
經理催促道：「快點，感受一下他的手腕，看有沒有跳動。」
“Go on,” he said. “Just feel his wrist for a pulse.”
驚恐之下，她遵命悄悄走進廁所，蹲在屍體旁卻什麼也沒做。
Horrified, she dutifully crept into the bathroom. She crouched down next to the body but did nothing.
經理催促她：「快點，就摸摸他的手腕吧。」
“Go on,” the manager urged her on. “Just feel his wrist.”
她用拇指與食指捏住那男子的手腕，小心地提起幾寸後立即放下。
She pinched the man’s wrist between her thumb and forefingers, lifting it a few inches then dropping it immediately.
「他好冰。」
“He’s cold.”
經理對著電話重複道：「他摸起來冰涼。」聽完進一步指示後他便掛斷電話，隨後告訴女孩：「他們說千萬別碰任何東西，只需退後並把現場守好，他們馬上會派救護車和警察。」
“He’s cold to the touch,” the manager repeated into the phone. He listened for further instructions, then hung up. He said to the girl, “They said to not touch anything. Just step away and secure the room. They’re sending an ambulance and the police.”
客人們從轉角窺探究竟，而餐廳員工也輪流回廁所觀看這骯髒的場景。看著那個躺在地上的男子，我彷彿感受到每個人心中湧動的悲傷。只有廚師拒絕前往查看，我知道他曾見過死亡，不必再重溫一遭。
Guests peered around the corner to see what the fuss was about, and the restaurant staff took turns walking back to the bathroom to view the grisly scene. I could feel the sadness emanating from each person as they looked down at the man on the bathroom floor. Only the cook refused to go see. I knew that he had seen death before. He didn’t need to see it again.
又過了約十分鐘，另一輛燈光閃爍、警笛響起的救護車趕到現場。三名急救人員衝進房間，各自揹著一袋醫療器材。一位從袋中取出一個帶擠壓瓶的面罩，而負責的高級急救員則派第三位急救員回救護車去取些器材。
Ten more minutes passed before another ambulance arrived with flashing lights and a blaring siren. Three paramedics rushed into the room, each carrying a bag of medical gear. One man pulled out a mask with a squeeze bottle while the senior medic in charge sent the third medic back out to the ambulance to get something.
「他現在已經冷得發僵了，」主管急救員邊說邊打開屍體的嘴巴，「他吸入了嘔吐物。」他隨即情緒平靜下來，接著說：「幫我檢查有沒有受傷痕跡。」
“He’s cold already,” the head medic said. He opened the body’s mouth. “He aspirated vomit.” His emotional intensity dropped. “Help me check for wounds.”
兩名急救員合力翻轉屍體，仔細檢查是否有任何受傷的跡象。
The two medics worked together to roll the body over and check for signs of injury.
「沒有發現不法侵害的痕跡，」主管急救員說道。
“No sign of foul play,” the head medic said.
「他的屍僵已經開始了，」另一位急救員回答。
“He’s already starting to get stiff,” the other medic replied.
「是啊，他很可能已經死了三十到四十五分鐘。」
“Yeah. He’s probably been dead for thirty to forty-five minutes already.”
當他們再次翻轉屍體時，我終於明白他們的意思：屍體並非完全僵硬，但關節處確實已經開始僵直。
As they rolled the body back, I could see what they meant. The body wasn’t completely rigid, but it was definitely stiff at the joints.
「我要報上死亡時間了，」主管急救員說道，我能感受到一股悲傷從他心底湧出，「我現在就用無線電通報。」
“I’m going to call time of death,” the head medic said. I could feel sadness wash through him. “I’ll radio it in.”
第三位急救員手捧一個小箱子走回房間，主管急救員搖了搖頭說：「他已經走了。」隨後，他拿出手持無線電，向調度員報告了現場情況。
The third medic came back into the room carrying a small case in his hands. The head medic shook his head and said, “He’s gone.” He pulled out his handheld radio and reported the situation to the dispatcher.
我看得出第三位急救員還是個菜鳥，這是他生涯中第一次專業面對死亡，他看上去滿是落寞。
I could tell that the third medic was a rookie, and that this was his first professional experience with death. He was crestfallen.
他們必須等待十分鐘才獲批將屍體裝入屍袋。他們將屍體放在一個鮮黃色的屍袋中，拉上拉鏈後用板固定，再把它搬到停靠在救護車外的擔架上，並用繩索分別固定在腳踝、腰部與頸部，然後將擔架頭朝下搬入救護車。
They had to wait for ten minutes before they received the all clear to bag the body. They put the body in a bright yellow body bag, zipped the bag closed, secured the body to a board, then carried it outside to a gurney just outside the ambulance. They strapped the body to the gurney by the ankles, waist, and neck, then hefted the gurney headfirst into the ambulance.
主管急救員回到室內，向餐廳員工詢問到場前發生了什麼，並協助餐廳經理填寫必要文件。握完手後，醫療隊便準備離開。
The head medic went back inside, asked the employees about what had happened before they arrived, and guided the restaurant manager through the requisite forms. They shook hands, then the medical team prepared to leave.
就在這時，一輛警車駛入停車場，警官下車走向急救員。
Just then a police car pulled into the parking lot. The officer got out and walked over to the medic.
急救員說：「我已告知調度中心，你們不必出來。」
“I told dispatch that you didn’t need to come out,” the medic said.
警官回答：「我知道，我正好在附近，順道過來看看。」
“I know,” the officer replied. “I was in the area and thought I’d stop by anyway.”
主管急救員用拇指指向救護車說：「我們已經將屍體裝好了。」他從筆記板中抽出一份文件遞給警官，「這是證人報告，我們建議做毒物檢查。」
The head medic pointed to the ambulance with his thumb. “We’ve already got the body loaded.” He pulled a form from his clipboard and handed it to the officer. “Here’s the witness report for you. We’re going to recommend a tox screen.”
警官說：「聽起來不錯，謝了。」他接著問：「還需要我們提供其他協助嗎？」急救員回答：「不用了，謝謝。真令人難過。」
“Sounds good. Thanks.” “Anything else you need from us?” “No, thanks. Sad thing.”
「是啊，我們走了。」急救員們關上救護車後門，固定好儲物格後各就各位。當救護車緩緩駛離，前往縣停屍間時，已是午后很遲。
“Yeah. Well, we’ll be on our way.” The medics closed the ambulance’s back doors, secured the storage compartments, and took their seats in the ambulance. It was well past noon when the ambulance slowly pulled away and headed to the county morgue.
第2章：死亡的狀態
Chapter 2: Being Dead
當我的頭撞到地面時，我感覺到自己完全沉浸在一種奇妙的涼意中——就像水一樣。我感到無重狀態，彷彿在空中漂浮。我有坐起來的感覺，四處張望，試圖看見什麼——任何東西——但似乎一切都隱藏在霧中。
As soon as my head hit the ground, I felt my being completely immersed in a sense of wonderful coolness—like water. I felt weightless, like I was floating in the air. I had the sensation that I was sitting up, and looked around me, trying to see something—anything—but it was as if everything was hidden in a fog.
當霧漸漸散去時，我看到自己俯視著Dairy Queen餐廳的用餐區裡展開的一場戲劇。就像我在舒適的椅子上看電影，而導演決定從上方拍攝每一個場景。但我也確信我所看到的是真實生活中發生的事情。
When the fog gradually cleared, I was looking down at a drama unfolding below me in the dining area of the Dairy Queen. It was like I was watching a movie from a comfortable chair, and the director had decided to shoot every scene from above. But I was also certain that what I was watching was happening in real life.
我對下面發生的事情專注得如此之深，以至於我從未意識到自己處境的奇怪，就像在夢中接受一切發生的事情，無論多麼超現實。
My attention was so focused on what was happening below me that the strangeness of my situation never crossed my mind, much as when you are in a dream and accept everything that occurs, no matter how surreal.
我看到羅布趴在包廂的桌子上，他的嘔吐物覆蓋了桌子、座椅和地板。餐廳的工作人員非常慌亂。我能感受到他們的情緒：擔心、恐懼、關心、無助。我特別能感受到那位青少年經理的焦慮。他身材高瘦，短髮是棕色的，劉海的邊緣有著挑染的高光。他的淺藍色眼睛不斷向上看，彷彿在尋求上帝的幫助。他不斷想著：「這個家伙要死了，而我卻無能為力。」我也能聽到一個女人的聲音在他腦海中回響：「如果你不離開這份工作，你就無法前進。」我不知怎的知道這個聲音屬於他的母親。
I saw Rob sprawled over the table of a booth, his vomit covering the table, the seats, and the floor. The restaurant’s workers were frantic. I could feel their emotions: worry, fear, concern, helplessness. I could especially feel the angst of the teenage manager. He was tall and skinny with short brown hair, the edges of his bangs frosted with highlights. His baby-blue eyes kept looking up, as if asking for God’s help. He kept thinking, “This guy is going to die, and on my watch.” And I could hear a woman’s voice running through his mind, “If you don’t get out of this job, you’re going nowhere.” I somehow knew that the voice belonged to his mother.
當一組急救人員衝進門時，我能感受到工作人員的鬆了一口氣。這突然不再是他們的擔憂，儘管我知道他們仍然擔心那個躺在桌子上失去意識的可憐年輕人。
I could feel the workers’ relief when a paramedic team rushed through the door. It was suddenly no longer their concern, though I was aware that they were still worried about the poor young man lying unconscious on the table.
醫護人員將羅布抬上擔架，然後急忙將他送往等候的救護車，快速駛離，警報聲響亮。
The medics loaded Rob onto a gurney then rushed him out to the waiting ambulance and sped away, sirens blaring.
我擔心羅布，試圖跟隨，但我無法做到。每當我試著移動，無論朝哪個方向，都有一根看不見的繩索阻止我超越Dairy Queen。
I was worried about Rob and tried to follow, but I couldn’t. Every time I tried to move, no matter what direction, some invisible cord prevented me from going beyond the Dairy Queen.
然後我注意到一具年輕男子的靜止身體躺在浴室的地板上。他也被嘔吐物覆蓋。我立刻知道他已經死了。這具身體的脖子腫脹得幾乎和頭一樣寬，皮膚呈深紫色，臉頰上有黃色的斑點。我所看到的這具身體是如此可怕，以至於看起來像假貨，像是一部B級恐怖電影中的廉價道具。我對這個男人感到同情，但我完全不知道他是誰。
Then I noticed the motionless body of a young man lying on the bathroom floor. He was covered in vomit, too. I knew immediately that he was dead. The body’s neck was swollen nearly to the width of the head, and his skin was mottled deep purple, with yellow blotches on the cheeks. The body I was looking at was so grotesque that it appeared fake, like a cheap prop in a B-grade horror movie. I felt pity for the man. I had no idea who he was.
我將注意力轉回到餐廳的用餐區，看到一個女孩，可能十六或十七歲，正在擦拭桌子上的嘔吐物。她的草莓金色頭髮綁成一個髮髻，黑色圍裙覆蓋著藍色制服襯衫和黑色褲子的前面。經理走到她身邊，手裡拿著一個桶和拖把。當他們沉浸在工作的日常中時，我感受到他們的情緒開始平靜下來。
I turned my attention back to the dining area of the restaurant and saw a girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen, wiping up the vomit on the table. Her strawberry blonde hair was tied in a bun, and a black apron covered the front of her blue uniform shirt and black pants. The manager walked over to her, carrying a bucket and mop. I felt their emotions start to calm down as they immersed themselves in the routine of the work.
當他們清理包廂時，一對中年夫婦進來了。我能看出他們是夫妻。當他們看到正在進行的清理工作時猶豫了一下，但還是走到櫃檯點了餐。當他們的食物準備好後，他們坐在靠近浴室的包廂裡。我聽到他們在吃飯時談論他們兒子的妻子。
While they cleaned the booth, a middle-aged couple entered. I could tell they were married. They hesitated when they saw the cleanup in progress but stepped up to the counter and ordered. When their food was ready, they sat down in a booth near the bathroom. I listened to them talking about their son’s new wife while they ate.
過了一會兒，丈夫站起來走向浴室。當他發現門是鎖著的時，他回到座位上繼續交談。大約五分鐘後，他再次嘗試。他上廁所的需求越來越強烈，這次當他回到座位時，仍然專注於那扇門。他等了十五分鐘後變得不耐煩，開始用拳頭敲打門。他聽到裡面沒有回應，卻聽到浴室裡有電話在響。他走到收銀台那裡。
After a while, the husband stood and walked over to the bathroom. When he found it was locked, he returned to his seat and resumed the conversation. About five minutes later, he tried again. His need to use the bathroom was growing, and this time when he returned to his seat, he remained focused on the door. He waited for another fifteen minutes before he grew impatient and pounded on the door with his fist. He listened for a response and heard a phone ringing in the bathroom. He walked over to the cashier.
「我覺得浴室裡可能有麻煩。門是鎖著的，我能聽到電話在響，但沒有人回答。」
“I think someone might be in trouble in the bathroom. The door is locked, and I can hear a phone ringing, but no one is answering.”
「我會讓經理知道，」收銀員說。
“I’ll let the manager know,” the cashier said.
我從上方看著經理從牆上的掛鉤上拿下鑰匙，走出廚房來到浴室門口。他敲了敲門。沒有回應。他又敲了一次，然後解鎖了門。
I looked down from above as the manager grabbed the keys from the hook on the wall and walked from the kitchen to the bathroom door. He knocked. No response. He knocked again, then unlocked the door.
門向內打開，露出了那具身體。他知道自己面對的是一具死屍。
The door swung inward to reveal the body. He knew he was looking at a dead man.
「哦，我的天啊，」經理驚呼。「我們又有一具了。阿曼達，打911！」
“Oh, my God,” the manager gasped. “We have another one. Amanda, call 911!”
那女孩從牆上的無線電話架上拿起手持機，按下號碼。「我們有緊急情況。我們需要立即再來一輛救護車。」她在走到經理站在浴室外的地方時，報出了地址，並把電話遞給他。
The girl grabbed the cordless handset from its cradle on the wall and punched in the numbers. “We have an emergency. We need another ambulance right away.” She rattled off the address as she walked to where the manager stood outside the bathroom and handed him the phone.
「你好？是的，我是經理。嗯嗯。好的。」他轉向女孩。「他們說要檢查他的手腕是否有脈搏。」
“Hello? Yes, I’m the manager. Uh huh. Okay.” He turned to the girl. “They’re saying to check for a pulse on his wrist.”
她只是盯著他看。
She just stared at him.
「繼續，」他說。「只需感覺他的手腕是否有脈搏。」
“Go on,” he said. “Just feel his wrist for a pulse.”
她驚恐地乖乖地走進浴室。她蹲在屍體旁邊，但什麼也沒做。
Horrified, she dutifully crept into the bathroom. She crouched down next to the body but did nothing.
「繼續，」經理催促她。「只需感覺他的手腕。」
“Go on,” the manager urged her on. “Just feel his wrist.”
她用拇指和食指夾住那個男人的手腕，抬起幾英寸後立刻放下。
She pinched the man’s wrist between her thumb and forefingers, lifting it a few inches then dropping it immediately.
「他很冷。」
“He’s cold.”
「他觸感冰冷，」經理在電話中重複道。他聽取進一步的指示，然後掛斷電話。他對女孩說：「他們說不要碰任何東西。只需退後並確保房間安全。他們正在派救護車和警察過來。」
“He’s cold to the touch,” the manager repeated into the phone. He listened for further instructions, then hung up. He said to the girl, “They said to not touch anything. Just step away and secure the room. They’re sending an ambulance and the police.”
客人們探頭探腦地想看看發生了什麼事，而餐廳的工作人員輪流走回浴室查看這可怕的場景。我能感受到每個人看著躺在浴室地板上的男人時散發出的悲傷。只有廚師拒絕去看。我知道他以前見過死亡。他不需要再看一次。
Guests peered around the corner to see what the fuss was about, and the restaurant staff took turns walking back to the bathroom to view the grisly scene. I could feel the sadness emanating from each person as they looked down at the man on the bathroom floor. Only the cook refused to go see. I knew that he had seen death before. He didn’t need to see it again.
又過了十分鐘，另一輛救護車帶著閃爍的燈光和刺耳的警報聲抵達。三名急救人員衝進房間，每人都攜帶著一袋醫療器材。一名男子拿出一個帶擠壓瓶的面具，而負責的高級急救醫生則派第三名急救人員回到救護車上去拿東西。
Ten more minutes passed before another ambulance arrived with flashing lights and a blaring siren. Three paramedics rushed into the room, each carrying a bag of medical gear. One man pulled out a mask with a squeeze bottle while the senior medic in charge sent the third medic back out to the ambulance to get something.
「他已經很冷了，」首席急救醫生說。他打開屍體的嘴。「他吸入了嘔吐物。」他的情緒強度下降。「幫我檢查一下傷口。」
“He’s cold already,” the head medic said. He opened the body’s mouth. “He aspirated vomit.” His emotional intensity dropped. “Help me check for wounds.”
兩名急救醫生一起合作將屍體翻過來，檢查是否有受傷的跡象。
The two medics worked together to roll the body over and check for signs of injury.
「沒有任何外力傷害的跡象，」首席急救醫生說。
“No sign of foul play,” the head medic said.
「他已經開始僵硬了，」另一名急救醫生回答。
“He’s already starting to get stiff,” the other medic replied.
「是的。他可能已經死了三十到四十五分鐘了。」
“Yeah. He’s probably been dead for thirty to forty-five minutes already.”
當他們將屍體翻回來時，我能看到他們所說的。這具身體並不是完全僵硬，但關節處確實有些僵硬。
As they rolled the body back, I could see what they meant. The body wasn’t completely rigid, but it was definitely stiff at the joints.
「我將宣布死亡時間，」首席急救醫生說。我能感受到悲傷從他身上湧出。「我會通報。」
“I’m going to call time of death,” the head medic said. I could feel sadness wash through him. “I’ll radio it in.”
第三名急救醫生手裡拿著一個小箱子回到房間。首席急救醫生搖了搖頭，說：「他走了。」他拿出手持無線電，向調度員報告情況。
The third medic came back into the room carrying a small case in his hands. The head medic shook his head and said, “He’s gone.” He pulled out his handheld radio and reported the situation to the dispatcher.
我能看出第三名急救醫生是個新手，這是他第一次專業接觸死亡。他看起來沮喪不已。
I could tell that the third medic was a rookie, and that this was his first professional experience with death. He was crestfallen.
他們不得不等十分鐘，才收到可以裝袋的通知。他們將屍體放進一個明亮的黃色屍袋中，拉上拉鍊，將屍體固定在一塊板上，然後將其抬到救護車外的擔架上。他們用腳踝、腰部和脖子將屍體固定在擔架上，然後將擔架頭朝前地抬進救護車裡。
They had to wait for ten minutes before they received the all clear to bag the body. They put the body in a bright yellow body bag, zipped the bag closed, secured the body to a board, then carried it outside to a gurney just outside the ambulance. They strapped the body to the gurney by the ankles, waist, and neck, then hefted the gurney headfirst into the ambulance.
首席急救醫生回到裡面，詢問員工們在他們到達之前發生了什麼，並指導餐廳經理填寫必要的表格。他們握手道別，然後醫療團隊準備離開。
The head medic went back inside, asked the employees about what had happened before they arrived, and guided the restaurant manager through the requisite forms. They shook hands, then the medical team prepared to leave.
就在這時，一輛警車駛入停車場。警官下車走向急救醫生。
Just then a police car pulled into the parking lot. The officer got out and walked over to the medic.
「我告訴調度員你們不需要出來，」急救醫生說。
“I told dispatch that you didn’t need to come out,” the medic said.
「我知道，」警官回答。「我在這一帶，想說還是過來看看。」
“I know,” the officer replied. “I was in the area and thought I’d stop by anyway.”
首席急救醫生用拇指指向救護車。「我們已經將屍體裝上了。」他從夾板上抽出一份表格，遞給警官。「這是證人報告。我們會建議做一個毒品檢測。」
The head medic pointed to the ambulance with his thumb. “We’ve already got the body loaded.” He pulled a form from his clipboard and handed it to the officer. “Here’s the witness report for you. We’re going to recommend a tox screen.”
「聽起來不錯。謝謝。」他說。「還需要我們提供什麼嗎？」 「不，謝謝。真可惜。」
“Sounds good. Thanks.” “Anything else you need from us?” “No, thanks. Sad thing.”
「是啊。我們就要走了。」急救醫生關上救護車的後門，固定好儲物櫃，然後在救護車裡就座。當救護車緩緩駛離，前往縣太平間時，已經過了中午。
“Yeah. Well, we’ll be on our way.” The medics closed the ambulance’s back doors, secured the storage compartments, and took their seats in the ambulance. It was well past noon when the ambulance slowly pulled away and headed to the county morgue.
第2章：死去的狀態
Chapter 2: Being Dead
當我的頭撞到地面時，我感覺自己的存在完全沉浸在一種美妙的涼爽感中——就像水。我感覺無重，像是漂浮在空中。我感覺自己坐了起來，環顧四周，試圖看到什麼——任何東西——但似乎一切都隱藏在霧中。
As soon as my head hit the ground, I felt my being completely immersed in a sense of wonderful coolness—like water. I felt weightless, like I was floating in the air. I had the sensation that I was sitting up, and looked around me, trying to see something—anything—but it was as if everything was hidden in a fog.
當霧漸漸消散時，我看到在冰雪皇后的用餐區下方正在上演一場戲劇。就像我坐在舒適的椅子上看電影，而導演決定從上方拍攝每個場景。但我也確信我所看到的是真實生活中正在發生的事情。
When the fog gradually cleared, I was looking down at a drama unfolding below me in the dining area of the Dairy Queen. It was like I was watching a movie from a comfortable chair, and the director had decided to shoot every scene from above. But I was also certain that what I was watching was happening in real life.
我全神貫注於下方發生的事情，以至於沒有想到自己處境的奇怪，就像在夢中接受一切發生的事情一樣，無論多麼超現實。
My attention was so focused on what was happening below me that the strangeness of my situation never crossed my mind, much as when you are in a dream and accept everything that occurs, no matter how surreal.
我看到羅伯趴在一個座位的桌子上，他的嘔吐物覆蓋了桌子、座位和地板。餐廳的員工們驚慌失措。我能感受到他們的情緒：擔憂、恐懼、關心、無助。我特別能感受到那位青少年經理的焦慮。他高瘦，短棕色頭髮，劉海邊緣染了高光。他那寶藍色的眼睛不斷向上看，似乎在尋求上帝的幫助。他不斷地想，“這個人會死在我值班的時候。”我還能聽到他腦海中一個女人的聲音，“如果你不離開這份工作，你將一事無成。”我不知怎的知道那聲音屬於他的母親。
I saw Rob sprawled over the table of a booth, his vomit covering the table, the seats, and the floor. The restaurant’s workers were frantic. I could feel their emotions: worry, fear, concern, helplessness. I could especially feel the angst of the teenage manager. He was tall and skinny with short brown hair, the edges of his bangs frosted with highlights. His baby-blue eyes kept looking up, as if asking for God’s help. He kept thinking, “This guy is going to die, and on my watch.” And I could hear a woman’s voice running through his mind, “If you don’t get out of this job, you’re going nowhere.” I somehow knew that the voice belonged to his mother.
當急救人員衝進門時，我能感受到員工們的如釋重負。這突然不再是他們的擔憂，儘管我知道他們仍然擔心那個躺在桌上昏迷的年輕人。
I could feel the workers’ relief when a paramedic team rushed through the door. It was suddenly no longer their concern, though I was aware that they were still worried about the poor young man lying unconscious on the table.
醫護人員把羅伯抬上擔架，然後迅速送上等候的救護車，鳴著警笛駛去。
The medics loaded Rob onto a gurney then rushed him out to the waiting ambulance and sped away, sirens blaring.
我擔心羅伯，試圖跟上，但我無法做到。每次我試圖移動，無論朝哪個方向，某種無形的繩索都阻止我離開冰雪皇后。
I was worried about Rob and tried to follow, but I couldn’t. Every time I tried to move, no matter what direction, some invisible cord prevented me from going beyond the Dairy Queen.
然後我注意到一個年輕人的屍體靜靜地躺在浴室地板上。他也被嘔吐物覆蓋。我立刻知道他死了。屍體的脖子腫得幾乎和頭一樣寬，皮膚呈現深紫色斑駁，臉頰上有黃色斑點。我看到的屍體如此可怕，以至於看起來像假的，就像B級恐怖片中的廉價道具。我為這個人感到惋惜。我不知道他是誰。
Then I noticed the motionless body of a young man lying on the bathroom floor. He was covered in vomit, too. I knew immediately that he was dead. The body’s neck was swollen nearly to the width of the head, and his skin was mottled deep purple, with yellow blotches on the cheeks. The body I was looking at was so grotesque that it appeared fake, like a cheap prop in a B-grade horror movie. I felt pity for the man. I had no idea who he was.
我把注意力轉回餐廳的用餐區，看到一個大約十六或十七歲的女孩正在擦拭桌上的嘔吐物。她的草莓金色頭髮梳成一個髻，黑色圍裙覆蓋著她藍色制服襯衫和黑色褲子的前面。經理走向她，拿著一個水桶和拖把。我感覺到他們的情緒開始平靜下來，因為他們沉浸在工作的例行事務中。
I turned my attention back to the dining area of the restaurant and saw a girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen, wiping up the vomit on the table. Her strawberry blonde hair was tied in a bun, and a black apron covered the front of her blue uniform shirt and black pants. The manager walked over to her, carrying a bucket and mop. I felt their emotions start to calm down as they immersed themselves in the routine of the work.
當他們清理座位時，一對中年夫婦進來了。我能看出他們是夫妻。他們看到正在清理的情況時猶豫了一下，但還是走到櫃檯點了餐。當他們的食物準備好後，他們坐在靠近浴室的座位上。我聽著他們一邊吃一邊談論他們兒子的新人。
While they cleaned the booth, a middle-aged couple entered. I could tell they were married. They hesitated when they saw the cleanup in progress but stepped up to the counter and ordered. When their food was ready, they sat down in a booth near the bathroom. I listened to them talking about their son’s new wife while they ate.
過了一會兒，丈夫站起來走向浴室。當他發現門鎖著時，他回到座位繼續談話。大約五分鐘後，他又試了一次。他上廁所的需求越來越強烈，這次當他回到座位時，他一直盯著門。他等了十五分鐘後不耐煩了，用拳頭敲門。他聽了一會兒，聽到浴室裡有電話鈴聲。他走向收銀員。
After a while, the husband stood and walked over to the bathroom. When he found it was locked, he returned to his seat and resumed the conversation. About five minutes later, he tried again. His need to use the bathroom was growing, and this time when he returned to his seat, he remained focused on the door. He waited for another fifteen minutes before he grew impatient and pounded on the door with his fist. He listened for a response and heard a phone ringing in the bathroom. He walked over to the cashier.
“我想浴室裡可能有人有麻煩。門鎖著，我能聽到電話鈴聲，但沒有人應答。”
“I think someone might be in trouble in the bathroom. The door is locked, and I can hear a phone ringing, but no one is answering.”
“我會告訴經理的，”收銀員說。
“I’ll let the manager know,” the cashier said.
我從上方看著經理從牆上的掛鉤上拿下鑰匙，從廚房走到浴室門口。他敲了敲門。沒有回應。他又敲了敲，然後打開了門。
I looked down from above as the manager grabbed the keys from the hook on the wall and walked from the kitchen to the bathroom door. He knocked. No response. He knocked again, then unlocked the door.
門向內打開，露出了屍體。他知道自己看到了一具屍體。
The door swung inward to reveal the body. He knew he was looking at a dead man.
“哦，我的天啊，”經理喘息著說。“我們又有一個。阿曼達，打911！”
“Oh, my God,” the manager gasped. “We have another one. Amanda, call 911!”
女孩從牆上的座機座中拿起無線電話，按下號碼。“我們有緊急情況。我們需要另一輛救護車。”她一邊報出地址，一邊走到經理站在浴室外的地方，把電話遞給他。
The girl grabbed the cordless handset from its cradle on the wall and punched in the numbers. “We have an emergency. We need another ambulance right away.” She rattled off the address as she walked to where the manager stood outside the bathroom and handed him the phone.
“你好？是的，我是經理。嗯哼。好的。”他轉向女孩。“他們說要檢查他的手腕脈搏。”
“Hello? Yes, I’m the manager. Uh huh. Okay.” He turned to the girl. “They’re saying to check for a pulse on his wrist.”
她只是盯著他。
She just stared at him.
“去吧，”他說。“就感覺一下他的手腕脈搏。”
“Go on,” he said. “Just feel his wrist for a pulse.”
她驚恐地遵從指示，慢慢地爬進浴室。她蹲在屍體旁邊，但什麼也沒做。
Horrified, she dutifully crept into the bathroom. She crouched down next to the body but did nothing.
“繼續，”經理催促她。“就感覺一下他的手腕。”
“Go on,” the manager urged her on. “Just feel his wrist.”
她用拇指和食指捏住那人的手腕，抬起幾英寸後立刻放下。
She pinched the man’s wrist between her thumb and forefingers, lifting it a few inches then dropping it immediately.
“他很冷。”
“He’s cold.”
“他摸起來很冷，”經理對著電話重複道。他聽了進一步的指示後掛斷電話，對女孩說：“他們說不要碰任何東西。只需退後並保護現場。他們正在派救護車和警察來。”
“He’s cold to the touch,” the manager repeated into the phone. He listened for further instructions, then hung up. He said to the girl, “They said to not touch anything. Just step away and secure the room. They’re sending an ambulance and the police.”
客人們探頭查看發生了什麼事，餐廳員工輪流走到浴室查看這可怕的場景。我能感受到每個人在看到浴室地板上的那個人時散發出的悲傷。只有廚師拒絕去看。我知道他以前見過死亡。他不需要再看一次。
Guests peered around the corner to see what the fuss was about, and the restaurant staff took turns walking back to the bathroom to view the grisly scene. I could feel the sadness emanating from each person as they looked down at the man on the bathroom floor. Only the cook refused to go see. I knew that he had seen death before. He didn’t need to see it again.
又過了十分鐘，另一輛救護車閃著燈、鳴著警笛趕到現場。三名急救人員衝進房間，每人都帶著一袋醫療設備。一名男子拿出一個帶擠壓瓶的面罩，而負責的資深急救人員則讓第三名急救人員回到救護車上去拿東西。
Ten more minutes passed before another ambulance arrived with flashing lights and a blaring siren. Three paramedics rushed into the room, each carrying a bag of medical gear. One man pulled out a mask with a squeeze bottle while the senior medic in charge sent the third medic back out to the ambulance to get something.
“他已經冷了，”急救隊長說。他打開屍體的嘴。“他吸入了嘔吐物。”他的情緒強度下降。“幫我檢查一下傷口。”
“He’s cold already,” the head medic said. He opened the body’s mouth. “He aspirated vomit.” His emotional intensity dropped. “Help me check for wounds.”
兩名急救人員一起將屍體翻過來，檢查是否有受傷跡象。
The two medics worked together to roll the body over and check for signs of injury.
“沒有發現惡意行為的跡象，”急救隊長說。
“No sign of foul play,” the head medic said.
“他已經開始僵硬了，”另一名急救人員回答。
“He’s already starting to get stiff,” the other medic replied.
“是的。他可能已經死了三十分鐘到四十五分鐘了。”
“Yeah. He’s probably been dead for thirty to forty-five minutes already.”
當他們把屍體翻回來時，我能看到他們的意思。屍體並不是完全僵硬，但關節確實有些僵硬。
As they rolled the body back, I could see what they meant. The body wasn’t completely rigid, but it was definitely stiff at the joints.
“我要宣佈死亡時間，”急救隊長說。我能感受到他的悲傷。“我會用無線電報告。”
“I’m going to call time of death,” the head medic said. I could feel sadness wash through him. “I’ll radio it in.”
第三名急救人員手裡拿著一個小箱子回到房間。急救隊長搖了搖頭說：“他已經走了。”他拿出手持無線電，向調度員報告情況。
The third medic came back into the room carrying a small case in his hands. The head medic shook his head and said, “He’s gone.” He pulled out his handheld radio and reported the situation to the dispatcher.
我能看出第三名急救人員是個新手，這是他第一次專業面對死亡。他感到沮喪。
I could tell that the third medic was a rookie, and that this was his first professional experience with death. He was crestfallen.
他們等了十分鐘才收到可以裝袋的通知。他們把屍體放進亮黃色的屍袋，拉上拉鍊，將屍體固定在板子上，然後抬到救護車外的擔架上。他們用帶子將屍體的腳踝、腰部和脖子固定在擔架上，然後將擔架頭朝前抬進救護車。
They had to wait for ten minutes before they received the all clear to bag the body. They put the body in a bright yellow body bag, zipped the bag closed, secured the body to a board, then carried it outside to a gurney just outside the ambulance. They strapped the body to the gurney by the ankles, waist, and neck, then hefted the gurney headfirst into the ambulance.
急救隊長回到裡面，詢問員工在他們到達之前發生了什麼，並指導餐廳經理填寫必要的表格。他們握了握手，然後醫療隊準備離開。
The head medic went back inside, asked the employees about what had happened before they arrived, and guided the restaurant manager through the requisite forms. They shook hands, then the medical team prepared to leave.
就在這時，一輛警車駛入停車場。警官下車走向急救人員。
Just then a police car pulled into the parking lot. The officer got out and walked over to the medic.
“我告訴調度員你們不需要來，”急救人員說。
“I told dispatch that you didn’t need to come out,” the medic said.
“我知道，”警官回答。“我就在附近，想說順便過來看看。”
“I know,” the officer replied. “I was in the area and thought I’d stop by anyway.”
急救隊長用拇指指向救護車。“我們已經把屍體裝上了。”他從夾板上抽出一張表格遞給警官。“這是給你的目擊者報告。我們建議做毒理檢測。”
The head medic pointed to the ambulance with his thumb. “We’ve already got the body loaded.” He pulled a form from his clipboard and handed it to the officer. “Here’s the witness report for you. We’re going to recommend a tox screen.”
“聽起來不錯。謝謝。”“還需要我們做什麼嗎？”“不，謝謝。真是件悲哀的事。”
“Sounds good. Thanks.” “Anything else you need from us?” “No, thanks. Sad thing.”
“是啊。好吧，我們要走了。”急救人員關上救護車的後門，固定好儲物櫃，然後坐回救護車裡。當救護車緩緩駛離並前往縣太平間時，已經過了中午。
“Yeah. Well, we’ll be on our way.” The medics closed the ambulance’s back doors, secured the storage compartments, and took their seats in the ambulance. It was well past noon when the ambulance slowly pulled away and headed to the county morgue.
第二章：死亡的體驗
Chapter 2: Being Dead
當我的頭撞到地面時，我感到自己的存在完全沉浸在一種美妙的涼爽感中——像是水。我感到無重，就像漂浮在空中。我有種坐起來的感覺，環顧四周，想看到些什麼——任何東西——但一切彷彿都被霧氣遮住了。
As soon as my head hit the ground, I felt my being completely immersed in a sense of wonderful coolness—like water. I felt weightless, like I was floating in the air. I had the sensation that I was sitting up, and looked around me, trying to see something—anything—but it was as if everything was hidden in a fog.
當霧氣逐漸散去時，我看到下面Dairy Queen餐廳用餐區正在上演一場戲劇。就像我坐在舒適的椅子上看電影，導演決定每個場景都從高處拍攝。但我也確信我看到的正在現實生活中發生。
When the fog gradually cleared, I was looking down at a drama unfolding below me in the dining area of the Dairy Queen. It was like I was watching a movie from a comfortable chair, and the director had decided to shoot every scene from above. But I was also certain that what I was watching was happening in real life.
我全神貫注於下面發生的事情，自己的奇怪處境從未在我腦海中閃過，就像在夢中接受一切發生的事情，無論多麼超現實。
My attention was so focused on what was happening below me that the strangeness of my situation never crossed my mind, much as when you are in a dream and accept everything that occurs, no matter how surreal.
我看到羅布趴在卡座的桌上，他的嘔吐物覆蓋了桌子、座位和地板。餐廳的工作人員一片慌亂。我能感受到他們的情緒：擔憂、恐懼、關切、無助。我尤其能感受到那位青少年經理的焦慮。他高瘦，棕色短髮，瀏海邊緣染了高光。他的淺藍色眼睛不斷向上看，像是在祈求上帝的幫助。他一直在想：「這個人要死了，就在我值班的時候。」我還能聽到一個女聲在他腦海中說：「如果你不離開這份工作，你哪也去不了。」我不知怎麼知道那是他的母親的聲音。
I saw Rob sprawled over the table of a booth, his vomit covering the table, the seats, and the floor. The restaurant’s workers were frantic. I could feel their emotions: worry, fear, concern, helplessness. I could especially feel the angst of the teenage manager. He was tall and skinny with short brown hair, the edges of his bangs frosted with highlights. His baby-blue eyes kept looking up, as if asking for God’s help. He kept thinking, “This guy is going to die, and on my watch.” And I could hear a woman’s voice running through his mind, “If you don’t get out of this job, you’re going nowhere.” I somehow knew that the voice belonged to his mother.
當一隊急救人員衝進門時，我感受到工作人員的寬慰。突然間這不再是他們的責任，雖然我意識到他們仍然擔心那個不省人事的年輕人。
I could feel the workers’ relief when a paramedic team rushed through the door. It was suddenly no longer their concern, though I was aware that they were still worried about the poor young man lying unconscious on the table.
急救人員將羅布抬上擔架，迅速推到等候的救護車上，鳴著警笛飛速離去。
The medics loaded Rob onto a gurney then rushed him out to the waiting ambulance and sped away, sirens blaring.
我很擔心羅布，想跟過去，但我做不到。每次我試圖移動，無論朝哪個方向，都有某種無形的繩索阻止我離開Dairy Queen。
I was worried about Rob and tried to follow, but I couldn’t. Every time I tried to move, no matter what direction, some invisible cord prevented me from going beyond the Dairy Queen.
然後我注意到廁所地板上躺著一個不動的年輕人。他也滿身嘔吐物。我立刻知道他死了。他的脖子腫脹得幾乎和頭一樣寬，皮膚呈深紫色，臉頰上有黃色斑點。我看到的這具屍體如此怪誕，看起來像是廉價的B級恐怖片道具。我為這個人感到可憐。我不知道他是誰。
Then I noticed the motionless body of a young man lying on the bathroom floor. He was covered in vomit, too. I knew immediately that he was dead. The body’s neck was swollen nearly to the width of the head, and his skin was mottled deep purple, with yellow blotches on the cheeks. The body I was looking at was so grotesque that it appeared fake, like a cheap prop in a B-grade horror movie. I felt pity for the man. I had no idea who he was.
我將注意力轉回餐廳的用餐區，看到一個大約十六七歲的女孩在擦拭桌上的嘔吐物。她的草莓金色頭髮紮成一個髮髻，黑色圍裙蓋住了她藍色制服襯衫和黑色褲子的正面。經理拿著水桶和拖把走過去。我感到他們的情緒在專注於例行工作中時開始平靜。
I turned my attention back to the dining area of the restaurant and saw a girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen, wiping up the vomit on the table. Her strawberry blonde hair was tied in a bun, and a black apron covered the front of her blue uniform shirt and black pants. The manager walked over to her, carrying a bucket and mop. I felt their emotions start to calm down as they immersed themselves in the routine of the work.
在他們清潔卡座時，一對中年夫婦走了進來。我看得出他們是夫妻。他們看到正在清理的場面時猶豫了一下，但還是走到櫃檯點餐。食物準備好後，他們坐在靠近廁所的卡座裡。我聽到他們一邊吃一邊談論他們兒子的新婚妻子。
While they cleaned the booth, a middle-aged couple entered. I could tell they were married. They hesitated when they saw the cleanup in progress but stepped up to the counter and ordered. When their food was ready, they sat down in a booth near the bathroom. I listened to them talking about their son’s new wife while they ate.
過了一會兒，丈夫站起來走向廁所。發現門鎖著後，他回到座位繼續談話。大約五分鐘後，他又試了一次。他上廁所的需要越來越強，這次回到座位後，他一直盯著那扇門。又等了十五分鐘，他不耐煩了，用拳頭猛敲門。他聽了聽是否有回應，聽到廁所裡有電話鈴聲響起。他走到收銀員那裡。
After a while, the husband stood and walked over to the bathroom. When he found it was locked, he returned to his seat and resumed the conversation. About five minutes later, he tried again. His need to use the bathroom was growing, and this time when he returned to his seat, he remained focused on the door. He waited for another fifteen minutes before he grew impatient and pounded on the door with his fist. He listened for a response and heard a phone ringing in the bathroom. He walked over to the cashier.
「我覺得廁所裡可能有人出事了。門是鎖著的，我聽到電話在響，但沒人應答。」
“I think someone might be in trouble in the bathroom. The door is locked, and I can hear a phone ringing, but no one is answering.”
「我會通知經理，」收銀員說。
“I’ll let the manager know,” the cashier said.
我從上方看著經理從牆上的掛鉤上拿下鑰匙，從廚房走到廁所門前。他敲了敲門。沒有回應。他又敲了一次，然後開鎖。
I looked down from above as the manager grabbed the keys from the hook on the wall and walked from the kitchen to the bathroom door. He knocked. No response. He knocked again, then unlocked the door.
門向內打開，露出了那具屍體。他知道自己看到了一個死人。
The door swung inward to reveal the body. He knew he was looking at a dead man.
「天哪，」經理喘著氣說。「又一個。阿曼達，打911！」
“Oh, my God,” the manager gasped. “We have another one. Amanda, call 911!”
女孩從牆上的支架上抓起無線電話，按下號碼。「我們有緊急情況。我們需要馬上再派一輛救護車。」她一邊說出地址，一邊走到經理站在廁所外的地方，把電話遞給他。
The girl grabbed the cordless handset from its cradle on the wall and punched in the numbers. “We have an emergency. We need another ambulance right away.” She rattled off the address as she walked to where the manager stood outside the bathroom and handed him the phone.
「喂？是的，我是經理。嗯，好的。」他轉向女孩。「他們說要檢查他手腕的脈搏。」
“Hello? Yes, I’m the manager. Uh huh. Okay.” He turned to the girl. “They’re saying to check for a pulse on his wrist.”
她只是盯著他。
She just stared at him.
「去吧，」他說。「只要摸他的手腕看有沒有脈搏。」
“Go on,” he said. “Just feel his wrist for a pulse.”
她驚恐地慢慢走進廁所，蹲在屍體旁，但什麼也沒做。
Horrified, she dutifully crept into the bathroom. She crouched down next to the body but did nothing.
「去吧，」經理催促道。「只要摸他的手腕。」
“Go on,” the manager urged her on. “Just feel his wrist.”
她用拇指和食指捏住那人的手腕，抬起了幾英寸，然後立刻放下。
She pinched the man’s wrist between her thumb and forefingers, lifting it a few inches then dropping it immediately.
「他很冷。」
“He’s cold.”
「他摸起來很冷，」經理對著電話重複。他聽了進一步的指示，然後掛斷電話。他對女孩說：「他們說不要碰任何東西。退開，保護現場。他們正在派救護車和警察。」
“He’s cold to the touch,” the manager repeated into the phone. He listened for further instructions, then hung up. He said to the girl, “They said to not touch anything. Just step away and secure the room. They’re sending an ambulance and the police.”
客人們探頭查看發生了什麼，餐廳員工輪流走到廁所看那可怕的場景。我能感受到每個人看著地板上的男人時散發出的悲傷。只有廚師拒絕去看。我知道他以前見過死亡。他不需要再看一次。
Guests peered around the corner to see what the fuss was about, and the restaurant staff took turns walking back to the bathroom to view the grisly scene. I could feel the sadness emanating from each person as they looked down at the man on the bathroom floor. Only the cook refused to go see. I knew that he had seen death before. He didn’t need to see it again.
又過了十分鐘，另一輛救護車帶著閃爍的燈光和響亮的警笛抵達。三名急救人員衝進房間，每人提著一袋醫療裝備。一人拿出一張帶擠壓瓶的面罩，而負責的高級急救員則讓第三名急救員回救護車拿東西。
Ten more minutes passed before another ambulance arrived with flashing lights and a blaring siren. Three paramedics rushed into the room, each carrying a bag of medical gear. One man pulled out a mask with a squeeze bottle while the senior medic in charge sent the third medic back out to the ambulance to get something.
「他已經冷了，」高級急救員說。他打開屍體的嘴。「他吸入了嘔吐物。」他的情緒強度下降。「幫我檢查傷口。」
“He’s cold already,” the head medic said. He opened the body’s mouth. “He aspirated vomit.” His emotional intensity dropped. “Help me check for wounds.”
兩名急救員一起將屍體翻過來，檢查是否有受傷的跡象。
The two medics worked together to roll the body over and check for signs of injury.
「沒有暴力傷害的痕跡，」高級急救員說。
“No sign of foul play,” the head medic said.
「他已經開始變僵硬了，」另一名急救員回應。
“He’s already starting to get stiff,” the other medic replied.
「是的。他可能已經死了三十到四十五分鐘了。」
“Yeah. He’s probably been dead for thirty to forty-five minutes already.”
他們將屍體翻回時，我能明白他們的意思。屍體還不完全僵硬，但關節處明顯僵硬。
As they rolled the body back, I could see what they meant. The body wasn’t completely rigid, but it was definitely stiff at the joints.
「我要宣布死亡時間，」高級急救員說。我能感受到悲傷湧過他。「我會用無線電報告。」
“I’m going to call time of death,” the head medic said. I could feel sadness wash through him. “I’ll radio it in.”
第三名急救員拿著一個小箱子回到房間。高級急救員搖搖頭說：「他已經走了。」他拿出便攜無線電，向調度員報告情況。
The third medic came back into the room carrying a small case in his hands. The head medic shook his head and said, “He’s gone.” He pulled out his handheld radio and reported the situation to the dispatcher.
我看得出第三名急救員是個新手，這是他第一次專業地面對死亡。他顯得沮喪。
I could tell that the third medic was a rookie, and that this was his first professional experience with death. He was crestfallen.
他們等了十分鐘才得到許可將屍體裝袋。他們將屍體放入一個亮黃色的屍袋，拉上拉鍊，將屍體固定在一塊板上，然後抬到救護車外的擔架上。他們用腳踝、腰部和頸部將屍體綁在擔架上，然後將擔架頭部朝前推進救護車。
They had to wait for ten minutes before they received the all clear to bag the body. They put the body in a bright yellow body bag, zipped the bag closed, secured the body to a board, then carried it outside to a gurney just outside the ambulance. They strapped the body to the gurney by the ankles, waist, and neck, then hefted the gurney headfirst into the ambulance.
高級急救員回到餐廳，向員工詢問他們到達前發生的事情，並指導餐廳經理填寫必要的表格。他們握手後，醫療團隊準備離開。
The head medic went back inside, asked the employees about what had happened before they arrived, and guided the restaurant manager through the requisite forms. They shook hands, then the medical team prepared to leave.
就在這時，一輛警車開進停車場。警官下車走向急救員。
Just then a police car pulled into the parking lot. The officer got out and walked over to the medic.
「我告訴調度員你們不用來了，」急救員說。
“I told dispatch that you didn’t need to come out,” the medic said.
「我知道，」警官回答。「我就在附近，想順便過來看看。」
“I know,” the officer replied. “I was in the area and thought I’d stop by anyway.”
高級急救員用拇指指向救護車。「我們已經把屍體裝好了。」他從剪貼板上抽出一張表格遞給警官。「這是目擊者報告。我們建議做毒理檢查。」
The head medic pointed to the ambulance with his thumb. “We’ve already got the body loaded.” He pulled a form from his clipboard and handed it to the officer. “Here’s the witness report for you. We’re going to recommend a tox screen.”
「好的，謝謝。」「還有什麼需要我們的？」「不用了，謝謝。真是件悲傷的事。」
“Sounds good. Thanks.” “Anything else you need from us?” “No, thanks. Sad thing.”
「是啊。我們先走了。」急救員關上救護車後門，固定好儲物箱，坐進救護車。當救護車緩緩駛離，前往縣太平間時，已是中午過後。
“Yeah. Well, we’ll be on our way.” The medics closed the ambulance’s back doors, secured the storage compartments, and took their seats in the ambulance. It was well past noon when the ambulance slowly pulled away and headed to the county morgue.