After that “incident,” as William called it, he was expecting a call from his superiors to explain the loss of the 132.25 points-fine that he cost the company.

  A day, two days, a week passed, but the call never came. William was relieved and tried to relax by lying on his bed, but to no avail.

  He started calculating; My record is perfect. I have surpassed even AI’s performances. He reassured himself.

  I’ve been working for three years for the company.

  Oh! He suddenly remembered.

  Three years is the breaking point everyone speaks about. The point where you cannot take it anymore and need a break from all this. The breaking point…

  But then another dreadful thought passed through his mind.

  Oh, no! He put his hand on his chest. Maybe it was a test! I’ve heard rumors of this… to test our loyalty to the company.

  It seems that at the first breaking point, there is no reaction from the administration; but… multiple occurrences…

  William sat up.

  I have to be careful. Maybe I should do something; a gesture of good will towards the company? But, what?

  I have to think about it.

  And he did. He spent his whole day off just to find the perfect gesture of fealty.

  ><

  William couldn’t think of anything but to continue working as always, without overturning punishments and just continue working without taking his two monthly days off, something unlike what he usually did.

  Two months passed since the “incident”, working non-stop, and his supervisor called him to his office, “That’s not a good sign…”he murmured.

  He had to travel to the other side of the city; a filthy city that he hated, full of people, robots and flashing lights. The only reason he would go out was to go to procure food, a necessity, not because there was no delivery service, but because it was too expensive to use it.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  He preferred his little room-apartment than going out.

  It was familiar and safe.

  ><

  William walked down the street, covering his nose and mouth with a scarf. The smells of the street sewers combined with the knot he felt on his stomach, made him gag.

  He was thinking about the meeting that occurred just about half an hour ago.

  He went to the headquarters of the company to meet with his supervisor, Mr. O’Neil,

  When William entered the office, a lean, middle-aged man, rather unappealing with cold eyes, was standing there.

  Mr. O’Neil extended his hand in a warm greeting.

  “William, my boy! How are you today?”

  William stunned, shook his hand with a weak handshake.

  “I— uhmm.” He cleared his throat. “I’m well, sir. Thank you.”

  In a corner of his office Mr. O’ Neil had a small living room like spot, with a sofa, an armchair and a coffee table.

  Mr. O’Neil showed him to the sofa and he sat on the armchair. When William touched the sofa, he felt as if all the troubles of the world were a forgotten dream. It was so comfortable. The comfort was overwhelming, like sinking into a cloud he never wanted to leave.

  “So, William,” said Mr. O’Neil. “How are you feeling?”

  William came back to reality. “I’m well sir.”

  Mr. O’Neil looked at him in the eyes and waited for a moment as if expecting more, which made William a little bit uncomfortable.

  “We noticed you’re overworked… that’s unlike you.” He added.

  William’s eyes widened.

  “Overworked?”

  “Yes. You haven’t taken your days off for two months. Is there a reason for that?”

  “Uhmm, I…” he couldn’t think of anything apart from wanting to show his loyalty to the company. He wasn’t sure though if that was the right answer.

  “You probably got distracted and forgot about it, right?” Laughed Mr. O’Neil, his smile not reaching his eyes.

  “Oh! I know!” He continued clasping his hands together like a prayer.

  “How about we give you the 4 days off work, and then when you return, you will be all fully recharged?”

  William now was really worried he felt his heart beating faster.

  “4 days? Isn’t that too much?”

  “It’s fine! Don’t you worry! After all, you deserve it!—You are one of our star employees.”

  As the meeting had ended and he walked down the street, …

  You deserve it… You deserve it… You deserve it…

  You.

  Deserve.

  It.

  …the words echoed in William’s mind like a warning bell and panic swallowed him whole.

  While William was trying to gasp for air to breathe, a girl’s voice sounded from behind him.

  “Are you alright?”

  The voice had a sweet familiarity somehow. He turned to look at the girl, but with his blurred vision, he couldn’t tell who she was or what she looked like, as he lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground.