In the diverse landscapes of America, from Minnesota's heartland to Chicago's bustling streets, Joseph A. Sackett's early years unfurled. But it was his two-decade-long journey in the military's special operations that profoundly shaped him. Within these years, he witnessed humanity's darker shades, glimpsing the fragility beneath society's facade, understanding how swiftly it could crumble to its knees.
Joseph's writing is an extension of this fascination, a canvas where he paints the vulnerability and resilience of mankind. He draws from his experiences, crafting narratives that reveal society's weaknesses and the indomitable spirit that arises in response.
You can read more from Joseph right HERE.
THE UNHEARD WHISPER
by
Joseph Sackett
I sat there, relishing the symphony of sound that I had long forgotten—the clatter of cutlery, the hum of conversation, the sound of laughter filling the air. For the first time in a very long while, I felt like I belonged to this world, thanks to the cochlear implant Dr. Olivia had so skillfully installed. It worked like a miracle.
"So, Mark, how's life in the world of sound?" Sarah, a friend from college, beamed at me across the table.
"It's incredible," I replied, "like being born again. You have no idea how much you miss the little things—like the crunch of chips or the rustling of leaves."
As I spoke, something phenomenal occurred. Transparent text bubbles started to form above my friends' heads. Each bubble was like a subtitle in some silent movie, only these were live-streaming their thoughts.
"Sarah: He looks so happy. Good for him."
"Tom: Should've grilled the steak, this chicken is dry as shit."
"Emily: I’m tired and ready to go.”
Not only could I hear, but now I could "hear" thoughts? The technology was far more advanced than I had ever imagined. My eyes darted from one text bubble to another.
Then my gaze settled on Jeff, my best friend since childhood. His eyes were fixed on Emily, my sister, who was busy talking to Sarah. The text bubble above his head was chilling: "Jeff: Just need the right time to drug her."
My heart pounded in my chest. This couldn't be right.
"Everything alright, buddy?" Jeff asked, noticing my stare.
"Yeah, I'm good. Just getting used to all of this," I mumbled, struggling to maintain composure.
I saw another text bubble pop up over Jeff's head.
“Jeff: Man Mark is a fucking weirdo, starring at me like he knows i'm going to drug, fuck and kill his sister tonight.”
My heart pounded in my chest as I read the new text bubble over Jeff's head. This can’t be right.
"Hey Jeff, what are your plans tonight?" I asked, feigning a casual tone while clinching my fists under the table.
Jeff chuckled, "Oh, you know, the usual. Probably gonna chill at home, why? Wanna hang?"
The text bubble updated: "Jeff: Act natural."
This was like a psychological thriller unfolding before my eyes. But this was no movie; this was my life and my sister's safety at stake.
Sarah piped up, "Hey, how about movie night? We haven't done one in ages."
Jeff forced a smile, "Sure, sounds fun."
"Jeff: I need to get Emily alone."
My mind was racing. I needed to take action but making a scene would only alert him.
Just then, my sister got up. "I think I'm gonna call it a night. Early morning tomorrow."
Jeff stood up too, "Yeah, me too. Long day."
"Jeff: Perfect. I can follow her out."
Panic surged through me. I couldn't let him leave. Not now.
"Actually," I interjected, my voice shaky, "I have some old home movies. A trip down memory lane would be fun, right?"
Sarah and Tom cheered in agreement. "That sounds awesome!"
Jeff forced a grin, "Alright, nostalgia it is then."
"Jeff: Damn it. Need to find another opportunity."
The tension in the room was almost palpable, yet unbeknownst to everyone but me. I had to find a way to protect Emily. As we sat down to watch the home movies, another thought bubble appeared above Jeff's head: "Jeff: Maybe I can drug Mark, that would make things easier."
My grip tightened around the remote control. This had gone far enough. Whatever the cost, tonight would be the end of it, one way or another.
I took a deep breath, steadying my shaking hands. "Hey Jeff, can I talk to you in the kitchen for a sec?"
"Sure, man. What's up?" Jeff got up, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
We walked into the kitchen, and I shut the door behind us. "Listen, Jeff, I've been feeling a bit off since this implant. Are you sure you're alright? You seem...distracted."
He chuckled, nervously. "Distracted? Nah, just tired. Long day, you know?"
"Jeff: Lie better, you idiot. Don't blow this."
"Is it just that? Are you sure you don't have anything else on your mind?"
Jeff sighed, "Look, Mark, you're reading into things. I'm good. Really."
"Jeff: This fucking guy, I'm for sure going to drug Mark and then fuck his sister."
My blood boiled at the sight of those words. "You sure about that, Jeff? Last chance."
"Mark, what are you talking about? Last chance for what?" Jeff's voice wavered.
I leaned in close, my voice dropping to a whisper. "You know exactly what for, Jeff. Last chance to tell the truth."
His eyes met mine, but he said nothing. I had all the truth I needed, displayed right above his head in that accursed text bubble.
Hang on a sec before you go back into the living room. I walked over to the drawer where I kept my handgun. I looked back at Jeff and seen another text bubble.
“Jeff: Not only am I going to drug him and fuck his sister. I'm going to burry them both alive in my damn backyard. Fucking nerd.”
My blood started to boiI. I opened the drawer and yanked out my pistol. I pointed it at Jeff. "I know your fucking plans Jeff! You piece of shit. We were friends!"
I pulled the trigger and watched the back of Jeff's head explode over the wall. A sense of relief came over me.
As the commotion erupted in the living room, my phone buzzed insistently in my pocket. I pulled it out, my hands trembling, and read the new message on the screen. It was from Dr. Olivia: "URGENT: Malfunction detected in your implant. Return to the clinic IMMEDIATELY for deactivation. DO NOT trust the text bubbles."
My heart sank. Reality set in, leaving me stranded in a nightmarish limbo of my own making. What had I become?