Rewritten

Chapter 22

"It has been decided," he repeats. "Reva committed a more serious crime than Daniel, for Daniel was never been informed of our laws before the marriage. He is free." Reva looks over to Daniel and smiles. "As for Reva, she will be imprisoned for the remainder of her life." Satisfied smiles fill the room, especially from Mr. Phillips. Reva looks terrified.

"Daniel," she yells. "don't let this happen!"

"I don't love you Reva."

She looks more and more scared. The judge dismisses the jury without a further word on the matter. Once everyone leaves the room, the judge, Reva, Daniel and Mr. Phillips walk to a car just outside the building, bars zig-zagging up and down the back windows. A man in the front seat takes Reva by her shoulders and shoves her into the seat, closing the door behind her. She claws the window, tears streaming down her face. The man gets back in the car and the judge sits in the passenger seat, arms crossed, looking at his feet. Daniel watches Reva as she screams to be let out and they drive away.

Mr. Phillips tells Daniel he has a call waiting for him inside. Mr. Phillips calls for a cab and sits on a silky steel bench as Daniel drags his feet into the main lobby. He approaches the desk. The lady has a small light glowing green at the top of her ear, similar to an earring. She is speaking gibberish. "Hello?" Daniel asks. She waves for him to seat at one of the many steel seats, similar to the bench outside. He sits and patiently waits.

"Mr. Adams, there is a call for you." The lady calls a moment later.

"Yes, thank you." He says, noticing the earring-like light is now red. Daniel doesn't understand what it means. He stares at it as he is given a small device that is squishy on one side, scattered with tiny holes and round and smooth on the other side.

"I'm sorry, Historian?" The woman asks.

"Um, yes, I think so." Daniel replies.

"Well, that thing in your hand is a phone. It shapes to the interior surface of your ear. Twisting the round part of the phone will present calling options and pressing on it will select it."

He places it in his ear, it tickles a bit as it forms to his ear. It's warms to the temperature of his ear. It doesn't even feel like it's there.

"Oh! And, this," the lady points to her ear, "is my phone, green means on a call, red means free."

"Thanks," Daniel smiles and works the device attached to his ear.

"Hello?" A female voice says on the other end.

"Hello, you called earlier. This is Daniel Adams."

"Ohh! Daniel, yes, we just needed to inform you that you need to stay put for a while, Niyan is coming to pick you up."

"So, you know what happened at the Decide?"

"Yes, of course. Reva was imprisoned. I'm glad you were spared. Okay, bye."

"Goodbye," Daniel said mournfully.