Acute Curtain Call Poisoning [Weekly Short-Short Note]

Thunderous applause, fueled by the heat of deep emotion, rained down upon the stage.

“...?”

However, standing alone on stage, I myself could not grasp the situation. Why was I being applauded?

“Good work. ...It seems you’re in a state of shock.”

Appearing from the wings with a bouquet of flowers was my wife, who had been by my side for many years.

“What is this...?”
“Oh my, it looks like ‘acute curtain call poisoning.’ It’s no wonder, considering how deeply you immersed yourself in the role. ...You have just finished playing the lead role on the stage called ‘life.’”

My wife smiles.
...That’s right, I lived for eighty years, suffered from cancer, and—

“But... I didn’t have any particular talents, nor did I achieve any great success. I lived a life without any major climaxes or highlights, so why this frenzy from the audience—?”
“What are you saying? You stayed immersed in your role the whole time and fulfilled your duty as the lead until the very end. It’s only natural that you’re being praised.”

...Is that how it is?
I accept the bouquet and bow to the applause that still hasn't ceased.