Forbidden Freedoms

Forever Changed

Billy returned home. His home was a one bedroom studio flat barely above a bedsit in definition. Its layout felt uniform in nature. Everything had its practical place and purpose. It felt enclosed. It was tidy like a cell awaiting inspection. Billy opened the door and quickly locked it. He drew the curtains to block out the outside world. He made his world self contained and controllable. It was just him, no distractions, no worries, no people.
      The beautiful silence was broken by the buzzing of his phone. That dam phone! If he didn't need it he would smash it into a hundred pieces. He looked at the caller I.D. Adam was calling. What did this asshole want? Billy answered the call as he knew if he didn't he would only call again. "Hello" Billy said in a monotone emotionless voice. "Hi its your supervisor Adam" the voice returned. Only assholes like Adam would introduce themselves as your supervisor. People like this need the rod removing from their ass. "Are you there Billy? I can't hear you" Adams voice seemed more grating then usual and the emotionless machine like zen Billy had achieved for those few peaceful blissful minutes had gone. Replaced by a pissed off and tired guy whose attitude reflected that of a rebellious teen who wanted to be expelled. "Billy? Is the line bad or is your crappy outdated phone not working again?" Cracked Adam. Even listening to his words felt like a chore.
    "Yes Adam I can hear you... what do you want?!". Just putting together a civil sentence to respond felt like pulling teeth. " Saw you in the paper this morning. Just thought I'd check you were still coming to work later. If your at home your obviously ok" Adam hadn't even asked if Billy was ok. No congratulations or concern for his health. He cared about his staffing levels. "Yes Adam I will be at work later" the tone reflected the gritted teeth from which the response came. "Good man. I wouldn't want you attention seeking now" Adams attempt at humour totally misses the mark. "Speaking of attention seeking "  he continued "ask me how my date with Charlie went last night". Again Adams self centred narcissistic nature shone brightly through. Billy sighed loudly "you didnt have a date with Charlie, you had a drink after work and other people were there". Adam took great disrespect from this remark "oh it was a date and she was into what I was serving if you get my meaning". Billy was in no mood for Adam or his bullshit narrative so simply replied "OK cool. See you at work". He hung up and tossed the phone across the room.
       He instantly regretted throwing the phone. He needed it. Checking in wasn't optional. If the phone broke it would class as an incident. Luckily it was as old phone and made like a brick. One of those phones that didn't have Internet. It called and texted. Basic needs for basic use. Bending down and picking up the phone Billy wondered how long it would remain silent. He sent the obligatory text and soon it buzzed again. The caller I.D saying caller withheld. They didn't need a name. He knew who was on the other end.
" Hello William" said the quiet voice on the line. " Please stay where you are.... we wont be long. We need to discuss the events of the last 24hours. You know the protocol. Do not dispose of the clothes you wore or are wearing. Do not wash your body as swabs will be taken. If you have any devices connected to the Internet they will be found and confiscated". Billy didn't need these instructions. He knew the drill. He had hoped for a few more moments of solace before their arrival though. The voice continued "is there anything we need to know or you want to tell us before we arrive William?". Billy had nothing to reveal so remained silent. The voice continued "we have PC Carvers statement and your medical discharge. The exposure in the paper isn't the most appropriate pathway for you to have taken". Billy knew this issue wouldn't just go away as he had hoped. The voice finished " we will see you momentarily". There was a knock at the door. Billy accepted his fate and opened the door. He knew the cracks had appeared and if not careful all would be unravelled.