They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
It is not too far into the future and the government’s new department, Death-Cast, knows when everyone will die. You don’t know exactly when or how, but when your phone rings and it’s Death-Cast calling, you know you have only got your end day to live.
Rufus and Mateo, both 18 years old, get the dreaded call on the same day. Rufus spends the first few hours tidying up the apartment he shares with his dad, who is in a coma in hospital. Rufus wants his dad to know that Rufus was ok when he returns home, after Rufus is gone. He spends the next few hours trying to convince himself to leave the apartment and live his end day to the fullest.
Mateo on the other hand, gets the call when he is beating up his ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend, and spends the beginning of his end day in denial, then on the run when his victim calls the police, during Mateo’s family funeral.
These two unlikely friends find each other on the Last Friend App, a place where people who have received the Death-Cast call connect with each other or with people who are just willing to share your last day with you, whether they are dying or not.
As their time ticks down, Mateo and Rufus share each other’s secrets and try to make the day the best it can be.
This story makes you think about living, about dying, about family, about memories, about choices, so many thoughts and so little time.
What would you do on your last day?