The Cage - Chapter Seven

John slept that night like a log. He couldn’t help it because his bed was so comfortable. When he woke up, He had the breakfast he wanted waiting for him and all he had to do was eat it. He could get used to living like this except for the guilt he felt that he could not take care of his family. He could not allow himself to be lulled into a life living for his own pleasures. He decided that he would try and reason with the woman again the next time she shows up.

He went outside and walked down the empty street. His first thought was that he would like some company. When he turned the next corner, he practically bumped into a man. This man was older and he looked familiar to John as well, like the woman did earlier. But again he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

“Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” John explained.

The man looked John over before answering, “It’s alright, no harm done.”

“Do you know where we are?” John asked hopefully.

“Of course I know where we are.” The man answered.

“Could you please tell me?” John asked.

“I will, but you’re not going to like it.” The man replied.

“Why is that?” John said losing a bit of his enthusiasm.

“You’re a pet in a cage.” The man said.

“Seriously?”

“Even if I told you where you were in space, you would never believe me.”

“I’m somebody’s pet!” John said in disbelief.

“That women you met earlier, that’s your owner.”

“It’s not right to keep somebody against their will!” John protested.

“You think because you’re self-aware that you’re something special?” the man retorted “You think that you have some sort of right to freedom?” The scene changed instantly and without warning.

John found himself chained deep inside a wooden ship. The ship bobbed up and down like a cork on the open ocean and John felt like he was going to throw up. He looked around and there were other men who were chained up like himself. The sight disgusted him. The man was standing in front of him.

“Look around you John, do you think it matters that these things are self-aware?” The man spoke with an emphasis on the word ‘things’, “You hurt my little girl’s feelings and now you are going to be punished.” After saying this the man vanished into thin air.