# checking for expiration ticker
    if ( $self->{_DATA}->{_SESSION_ETIME} ) {
        if ( ($self->{_DATA}->{_SESSION_ATIME} + $self->{_DATA}->{_SESSION_ETIME}) <= time() ) {
            $self->_set_status( STATUS_EXPIRED |    # <-- so client can detect expired sessions
                STATUS_DELETED );                   # <-- session should be removed from database
            $self->flush();                         # <-- flush() will do the actual removal!
            return $self;
        }
    }