Marina can't delete a dead man's surname

—Alicante Census Office, hello.

—Good morning. This is Vicente Lloret, retired, fourth door of Alto Palancia twelve. For three months I've been getting letters for one Enrique Herrero.

—One moment, Mr Lloret. Marina Requena, Census Office. Your flat lists two people: you since 2004 and Enrique Herrero since the 3rd of May 2016. And I can't just delete him: I need a death certificate in his name.

—Enrique died in 2019. It was in the local paper: he was the barber on my street.

—I know. But until someone brings me the paper, he stays registered with you. No one comes down to deregister a dead man who wasn't a relative.

—And the letters from the bank?

—Advertising. The list is bought from the Town Hall. A dead man still on the census stays on the list.

—So there's nothing I can do.

—Bring me the obituary clipping on Monday, Mr Lloret. Without the paper, Mr Herrero will keep living with you inside the computer.