“Arnold decided enough was enough, fifty years ago,” she said. “He took advantage of Vedya’s health insurance sale on assisted deaths. I don’t know,” she shrugged, “I thought it might be a lark to see how long I would last. So, I didn’t join him. I miss him dearly, but I have enjoyed the births of great, great, great-grandchildren, and I wouldn’t have missed that for the world, or the universe, or . . . whatever.”

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“Is it true,” we asked, “that Veyda’s unique clause is only available to those over 150 years and older, or to younger ones with an incurable disease?”

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“Yes,” she said. “Quite true. Although there are very few incurable diseases left these days. You do have the option of being froze until they do come up with a cure. Also, you can prolong life by adding and changing artificial limbs and body parts. But my Arnold, well, he was a naturalist. He said he had enjoyed a good 150 years and he didn’t want to wear out his welcome, so to speak. And you know, fish stink after 3 days, so maybe he thought that a human . . .”

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“So, Becky,” we asked, “What is your secret to lasting these past 200 years? Healthy living? Religion? Lack of Belief in anything?”

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“Well,” she laughed, “I guess I can attribute it to unhealthy living: I ate cake whenever I wanted to, drank wine and beer when I felt like it. I had a few good friends, and of course, my very large family. I tried to not to sweat it.”

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“What are your plans for the future?” we asked.

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She laughed in louder, and it is possible she is still laughing.

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Happy 200th Birthday Becky! Here at the paper our hats are off to you and wish you more years, until 220 and beyond!