[ WP ] Scientists discover an algorithm for predicting a person 's date of death with 95 % confidence . When you finally decide to enter your parameters into the algorithm you see a surprising result .

I watched the machine process the parameters supplied for an hour which became a day which became a month which became a year. I let the machine run in my drab living room even as the thought of it faded from my mind. Death calculators had become a popular and cheap accessory; there was no need to move it or stop it from inevitably working towards my fate. 
 
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 N/A 
 
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 I was always intrigued by humanity's obsession with innovation. It seems that we as a species care so much about `` the next big thing,'' that we never stop to make sure it *works* first. Death calculators often malfunctioned. Coupled with the fact that they only had a 95 % success rate even if they did work, they were more of a party game than a tool for clairvoyance. With this in mind, I reentered my parameters, and once again walked away from the machine without thinking twice about the result `` N/A.'' 
 
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 This morning I moved my old death calculator to the basement to free up space for a new playroom for my children. Seven years had come and gone and a lot had changed in my life, but my death date was still `` N/A.'' I was never one to take emotional stock in such a gadget, yet I still found myself worrying from time to time. All of my friends have found their death dates and are already preparing so that their families may continue to live comfortably beyond their death. How could I do the same? Out of this fear I purchased a new edition of the death calculator; this model, no bigger than a pocket calculator, boasted a 99 % success rate and a much faster calculation time. This will calculate my death date with ease. 
 
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 N/A. 
 
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 My wife died this morning. The doctors say it was a heart attack. I worry for my children. Surely my death calculator will provide me with my death date soon enough. I just wish my wife could have seen our children grow up. 
 
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 N/A 
 
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 I watched my second child graduate college today. I suppose in a way my duties as a father are completed. I have successfully raised my children to be self-sustaining. And yet, I still worry as to the fate of myself. As I get on in my years I grow ever more curious as to my death date. But no matter which device I buy, I always get the same answer. 
 
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 N/A 
 
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 My firstborn son died today. They chalked it up to an array of complications due to old age. I watched him father my grandchildren and calculate his own death date for their sake. But today I put him in the ground myself. 
 
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 N/A 
 
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 I am here, standing on the rooftop of the apartment complex where I raised my two beautiful children with my lovely wife nearly 100 years ago. My wrist death-calculator is blinking, calculating my death date. I do not feel as though I need its approval, but something holds me on the roof staring at it. I feel the autumn wind rustle my aging jacket as the watch beeps twice and begins to spell out a message. `` November 1st, 2103.'' With a smile, and a single tear, I step forward into nothingness. 
 
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 I died on November 1st, 2103. 

