Isolated in the room, far from civilisation.
Needing constant attention were the camera feeds of outside.
Beside the screens sat a phone and a book to read.
Settled in.
The hourly checkup rang in.
I answered. Nothing to report.
So distant and alone, monotony set in.
Highly confidential and hidden away never to be seen
And yet something scratched at the sealed metal door.
Approaching the door, a whisper from beyond.
Then silence
The hourly checkup rang in.
I answered. Nothing to report.
And the silence continued, thankfully for me.
But momentarily a foul odour crept in.
Burned my nose hairs and attacked senses
Eyes watering but a whir of air vents and it was gone.
The hourly checkup rang in.
I answered. Nothing to report.
Touching the metal counter, biting with cold.
Despite it being summer
I turn off the air conditioning but the chill remains
My breath fogs yet I feel warm
The hourly checkup rang in.
I answered. Nothing to report.
Looking around the room, I notice it.
A corner engulfed entirely in shadow.
Refused to approach, instead I threw the book.
When I shone the light, the shadow was gone – nothing remained.
The hourly checkup rang in.
I answered. Nothing to report.
The cameras shut down. There was silence.
No smell, no feeling from the cold.
A guard sat at the desk.
The hourly checkup rang in.
We answered. Nothing to report.