Story of Bob

15- THE GAME

When I was fast asleep in my cell, I heard loud clopping sounds echoing across my row of cells.  That was when I realised this: A specific person was approaching me.

Was it my time? Seems like the writing is on the wall. No redemption for me at all, I thought.

'Bob. Someone wants to see you', a deep voice called.

I arose from my sleep and set up my composure to be one of formality. I have not  spoken to anybody beyond the brick walls and iron bars of a prison. For years. That is a thing that I will not lie about. 

So, the  prison warden dug out his keys and unlocked the cell door. Then he led me towards the office, I walked, he monitored from behind my back to detect any form of suspicion I held. I passed the hallways, went down the elevator  to the ground floor and  stood before the well designed form of a door after struggling to find the way through a labyrinth of corridors.

This is the dreadful moment. The very fears which I feared most manifested before my presence. The thought of it nearly led me to shiver in my boots and pee in my pants. But the tyrannical form of the prison warden prevented me from doing thus: to run away.

'Come in', a voice called from within the room. 

I saw face to face with a tall, youthful, well suited form of a business man wearing a face mask.

'Father ?', the business man asked in shock and concern.

'Eddie ?', Bob asked, with regret.

'Before you have a father-son moment, I have new for you', a plump haughty woman cut in.

The land whale! I thought that she died of that virus!

'Remove that cringey face immediately, inmate!', she yelled, glaring her evil, bloodthirsty eyes at the frail form of Bob and his cringing facial expression.

'Sorry, madam', I replied.

'Take a seat. By the way, I'm Diane. Let's go out someday, young man'

'Sorry about that but I'll pass', Eddie replied.

Nice! , I thought

My son, the lady and I took to our seats. The prison warden returned to the outside, overhearing the conversation.

'So, do you know that your death is nearing, right?', the lady asked.

'Yes', I replied.

'Do you have any reconsiderations towards the idea of your father being put to death?', the lady asked with a slight change in voice, attempting to repress the pain caused by her ego getting crushed for the thousandth time.

'It has been long since I have seen my father and life has really been declining as my dearest mother is ill as of recent, close to her dying day. She has been wishing to see his face for the last time for the last seven years as of recent. I truly do not believe that he should be sentenced to death. He has a life to live and a family to protect', Eddie replied.

'If you really want your father to evade this death sentence, you have to follow one condition'

'What is the deal?', he asked in desperation.

I observed as the conversation between my son and the lady, Diane progressed.

The lights went out and then, candlelight shone against the office walls. 

Out of nowhere, Diane opened up a file which contained a contract.

'Eddie, please. Do not do this!', I begged.

'Don't worry, father. I will be okay', Eddie replied, trying to hold his form.

'Yes, sir. You will manage', Diane hissed.

Outside the office room, the prison warden grinned with glee. 

Eddie whipped out his pen, that being of first class, and scribbled his signature.

'The deal is done', I muttered with a heavy heart.

Personally, I believe on thing: This woman, Diane or whatever her name is, is this: To start a game that will never end. The game involving the fates of my son and I and they are in Diane's hands. 

To conclude the whole matter: I changed my prison clothes to one of a civilian and entered Eddie's car , ready to go home and see my dying wife for the last time.

It has begun.

THE GAME.