Edward's Dilemma by Paul Adan Read Free Book Online Page A

Most had not shaved their beards in days, if not weeks.  There was also a strange look in their eyes.  At first Edward had thought they were just curious, but then he realized that what he was seeing was something darker; it was hatred.  He’d never really seen this before, and it scared the hell out of him.
    Edward’s senses were overwhelmed.  As he was led up the stairs, he glanced into the windows of several cells.  In one, he noticed a half-crazed guy who was “gratifying” himself like some wild monkey you’d see in a zoo.  Amazingly, this animal didn’t appear to have the slightest bit of shame or embarrassment at being seen doing what he was doing.  In another cell, a man sat on a toilet, bending forward with his face in his hands.  The floor around him was littered with garbage.  On the walls, there were smears of – something.
    That’s when it hit him.  The smell of the tank was horrid.  It was a combination of sweat, dirty laundry, old food, and feces.  It permeated his nose, and filled his lungs.  The thought of taking a deep breath seemed revolting to Edward.  To reduce the nauseous smell, he tried breathing through his mouth – but this didn’t really help much.  Edward gagged as he trudged onward to “his” cell.
    By now, the tank had erupted into a raucous symphony of jeers, hooting, and laughter.  The place had come alive to the presence of some fresh meat.  Edward knew he was the main dish, and he feared he’d be consumed within a matter of minutes.
    When he finally entered his cell, it seemed like an oasis compared to the harsh environment through which he had just passed.  The cell was Spartan, and included nothing more than a cement bed, and a metal toilet/sink combo unit.  There was a little slit of a window, about 4 inches wide and 3 feet tall, but you couldn’t see through it.  The mattress was jammed up into a corner of his so-called “bed.”  Everything about the place was built for utility, and not comfort.  He wondered how he would survive.  He walked over to the bed and sat down.  With both hands he gripped his face, while sobbing uncontrollably.
    After a while he placed the mattress on the cold cement bed, and curled up in the fetal position.  He considered his predicament.  Later that night, he tossed and turned as he struggled to get comfortable – but eventually he fell asleep.  His dreams were familiar, yet bizarre.
    ♦   ♦   ♦
     
    “EDWARD.  EDDDWARD.  Come on down – it’s time for breakfast.”  His mother’s voice was soothing.  He rolled over and squeezed the feather pillow which encompassed his head.  In the distance, outside his window, a bird tweeted.  The sun filtered through the blinds, and cast a grid-like shadow on the bed.  The smell of pancakes wafted into his nostrils.  It was a glorious day!
    After luxuriating in his bed for several minutes, he sat up, swung his legs around, and put his feet onto the floor.  The soft, cushy carpeting filled the spaces between his toes.  He yawned once, like a big lazy dog would do as it stretched out on a porch during a hot afternoon.  He looked over at the clock, and suddenly became aware of the rhythmic “Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick.”  The sound of his clock was methodical, constant, reassuring.
    Today was Edward’s sixteenth birthday.  He’d been looking forward to this day because he could now get his learner’s permit to drive the family’s beat-up old car.  He was also happy because today was Saturday.
    As Edward descended the stairs, he noticed his father sitting in his favorite chair.  He was reading the newspaper, but he paused for a moment to greet Edward.  “Good morning, son – Happy Birthday.  How’s it feel to be sixteen?” he said, as he peered over the top of the newspaper.  As usual, his eyeglasses were riding low on the bridge of his nose.  His feet were up on a stool, and a cup of hot coffee rested on a nearby end-table.
    Edward was glad to see