Bertram Ruffle
Bertram Ruffle hadn’t left his apartment in a long time. He didn’t trim his long, white beard and bushy eyebrows anymore. Why bother? Over the last 20 years, his weight topped 400 pounds. He needed to go to the doctor, but he couldn’t. He felt claustrophobic in small, enclosed places, like movie theaters and elevators. He had tried many times but ran out, sweating from head to toe. He disliked open spaces, like parking lots, bridges, and malls, and wouldn’t get on a bus, plane, or train. He hadn’t visited his family in years, and they kept their visits to a minimum. Bertram lived on long-term disability payments, due to severe agoraphobia, and supplemented his income with remote computer work. He had not disclosed his disabilities and limitations to his current employer, and he had no intention of doing so. On this day, his manager scheduled an employee video call, and Bertram declined via e-mail. About 5 minutes later, the phone rang. “Bertram? This is Mark.” “Oh, hello.” “Everything alright, Bertram?” “Yes, sir. Thanks.” “We’d like to see you on the video call.” “Well, …” “Are your computer and video cam working properly?” “Yes, they are.” |
“Well, then, what’s the problem?” “I, …” “Bertram, this is not the first time that you’ve been uncooperative and mysterious. I’m afraid we’re going to have to let you go.” “I understand, Mark.” “Is there anything else that you want to say?” “Uh, … not really.” “Goodbye, Bertram, and take care of yourself.” He hung up the phone and stared at the floor. Mark was right. It was not the first time that Bertram had found himself in this situation. In fact, every job had ended this way. Bertram got all his meals delivered. Every time someone rang the doorbell, his heart pounded. If it wasn’t the usual delivery person, he panicked. The doorbell rang, and it startled him. He looked through the peephole and saw a woman holding a plastic bag. “Mr. Ruffle?” “Yes? What do you want?” “I have the dinner that you ordered from Bella Italia.” “Leave it by the door, please.” When Bertram could no longer hear the woman’s clicking heels on the hallway floor, he opened the door, stuck out his head, and glanced from side to side. All clear. He took a deep breath, took one step forward, grabbed the bag, and quickly shut the door. Bertram’s heart was racing. From Carpet Creatures: Tales from the Deep Pile To join the Carpet Creatures project, please visit our TAE Gallery website. |
