Seize(9)

Most people think world power and money are generally well divided and that they actually have a say in what their country does. It. Is. A. Lie. They are brainwashed into thinking that they have a voice, but in reality, Genesis owns the corporations, the news, all funds, and even all politics.

How? With money.

Money makes the world turn. Money eats people and spits them out like garbage, ready for the next load.

Disgusting. And yet I am now taking part in this, too.

They trust me now. Little by little, I’ve gained it by always complying with their wishes, obeying their rules, and functioning according to what was expected. Things I excel in and always have since my father demanded it of me.

They know this. I asked Arthur once, and he told me that he selected me specifically because of my history, including all the details about my past, my present, and my possible future. Nothing was left out of the equation. I am perfect to them, because I live for rules.

But I soon came to realize that there was another reason for their interest in me.

One day, they’re sitting in the Genesis Meeting Room, which is right above my library, and as I’m rearranging the books in the room, Arthur clears his throat.

“Sebastian, I’ve been meaning to ask you, but I would like you to select a few specific books for us.”

I turn around, puzzled by his request. “What for?”

“We’re bored,” Hubert says, yawning.

“Well, we’ve come up with a way to make our lives more interesting,” Lewis says.

“What they mean is that we would like to start reenacting scenes from the books we read,” Arthur states.

In confusion, I gaze at Arthur with furrowed brows. It’s true that they’ve been reading a lot of books lately, but I never imagined that they’d be doing it for this reason. I always thought their interest in books was strange. Now I understand why. They have everything they want in this world, and now they are bored with it. For them, excitement comes in the form of perversion.

“Will you select some books for us?” Arthur asks.

Swallowing, I nod. Even if I wanted to say no, I couldn’t.

I value my life more than I value my honor.

But I also know that they won’t stick to the regular plotted books. Oh no … I can see it in Hubert’s depraved smile and the glint in his eyes. Just the thought of being able to pick any idea and act it out is sparking something in him. Something diabolical.

“Great. Let’s get started then, shall we?” Arthur says.

“You know, we should have some sort of slogan. Something that will make it even more exciting,” Hubert hums in amusement. “Oh, I know! How about that we must finish a book and reenact the scenes at any cost?”

“Sounds good,” Arthur says.

“Any book?” I ask.

“All books. No exception.”

I cringe. “Even if it talks about sex or murder?”

The way his eyes narrow and his lips contort into a twisted smile makes my stomach churn. “Everything.”





Accompanying song: “The Dog is Black” by Unkle (dial:molotov remix)





Providence, Rhode Island – June 3nd, 2013, early morning





I stare at him in disbelief. “This has to be some sort of cruel joke, right?”

“I wish it was,” Sebastian says.

“They read books and then act out the story?”

“Yes,” he says, sighing.

I make a face. “Like … anything?”

“Everything that’s inside …”

“Even if…”

“Everything.”

Holy shit. I blink a couple of times and then let out a huge breath. It’s a large pill to swallow.

“Now you know,” he says.

I nod, unable to reply. I wouldn’t know what to say. This all comes as a shock, and yet, I can now connect the dots. The book that I found on his desk must be exactly that, something that he has to act out. And that day in the library where he was jerking himself off … holy shit.

“I know this comes as a shock to you, and that is why I didn’t tell you.”

“No kidding,” I say. “Jesus.”

“Which is why you can’t tell a soul.”

“What? You expect me to keep this quiet?”

“Yes!” he says, grabbing my hand. “They could kill us for this.”

“As if you have anything to be afraid of, you’re a part of their club!”

“Not by choice.” He lets go of me, puts his fingers to his forehead, and sighs. He rubs them, avoiding eye contact. “I did what I had to do to survive.”

“So all that in the train … with Ashley and … my mother.”

“Yes. It’s all because of those damned fucking books.” He averts his eyes.