Replay

Uncalled for but necessary. That's about how Johnny musta felt when he popped 2 in the back of the head of a known thug hanging around town. Justice was just Johnny's gun. This kinda became normal as I was told, by Johnny of course. That Aerosmith tune is very reminiscent of Johnny's Justice, except he's not Janie. There was times when Johnny held the gun barrel to my nose, almost burning it, but more potent was the smell of gunpowder. I really started to fear Johnny as his temper escalated almost daily. What got worse was when I worked to avoid him, he always somehow found me. Either at a coffee shop or grocery store it became impossible to lose him, his voice always lingered in my head too. Cops didn't phase him when they shot by down the road with their lights and sirens. I was more anxious than him.
Sue, a friend of Johnny's, started to kick around with me when I was ducking out from Johnny most times. I didn't want to let Johnny know she's been hanging with me because of his increased temper lately and blackouts he claimed. I also asked Sue to hold back from saying anything to Johnny. She gave me her word and to be honest it was never a problem. I guess she knew Johnny was getting bad too. Sue and I did a bowl of hash and the next thing I knew Johnny was kicking me.
Rubbing my eyes and trying to wake was tough, as Johnny was bragging again. This time he was telling me he was banging this prostitute most of the night in her brothel. He whipped his meat out and said bitch tried to bite me. Look at the marks. He went on and started getting upset again pulling his pants back up and bringing out his gun again.
He held the barrel to my face, it was warm and smelled of powder again. Johnny went into a rant and started to fire off a couple shots again and my ears were ringing and and I became very disoriented and noticed lights blinking, red,blue and sirens blasting. All I could think was, fuck, Johnny shot me, and the cops are here. My shoulder was warm and my stomach hurt too. All I could feel was a slow sliding descent into a dark silent abyss.
Coming out of a foggy state and hangover like feeling, I noticed the beeping sounds and rails beside me. Thinking to myself, I realized I was in a hospital and must of been shot by Johnny. I moved my hands to help adjust myself in getting comfortable, but I couldn't move them far. They were limited in movement,I was handcuffed to bed rails and there were uniformed officers outside the door. I really started to panic and hyperventilate at which point a couple of uniform nurses or doctors came in and calmed me.
The doctor broke into a “your lucky to be alive today Mr. Wheeler”. We were able to stop the bleeding from your stomach, and patch up your shoulder for you. You did almost die on the table, but what scared us all was when you blurted Sue, while under anesthesia. Remarkable infact. Which eludes us to call in the police now for you to talk with. Take care Mr. Wheeler.
Wait, who's Mr. Wheeler? My names Johnny Barber!
All the more to speak with the police. After they are finished the specialist will see you next.
The specialist? You said I was okay? What the fucking he'll us going on Damn it!!?
Ah yeah, excuse us please, the officers are coming in now.
So, Mr. Barber, you have been a big problem..
The officers broke into the rights speech. Once finished they were not well received. Mr. Barber clamed up, and rightly so.
The psychiatrist walked in nonchalantly and asked out loud “ Who am I Speaking to today?”
Joey, Joey is my name mister. What am I doing here? I'm hungry, got food? I got to go pee, hurry let me out please! Never mind, I did an uhoh in the bed.
Everything's going to be alright Joey.
Thanks mister. Hey, do I know you? You kinda look and sound familiar?
Why yes Joey, you have known me for a long time. Do you not remember the coloring you did when we were together? Also the toy blocks you used to make me a gun? Gee mister, your starting to scare me a bit. It's okay Joey, you are very safe here.
Where am I mister?
Why are my hands chained to the bed?

(Over a loudspeaker a voice called out, 3022 code black 3022 code black.)

Hey mister, mister, mister, what's happening?

(Through the observation bay, several doctors were taking notes and nurses were present too. The masked figures with the guns were also present)

A door opened to the observation room, and in walked a very tall actually abnormally tall male and female. They spoke in an unrecognized voice and the doctors and nurses left, as well as the security team.
Both tall figures turned to one another and spoke English this time. “The hallucinations and reality are splitting quicker than we anticipated. The bed and patient were the only ones in the room as far as the observation team was aware”.

That's good, the truth and the misinformation will be enough for the shift in power.

“May our ancestors rise again”.
Hey Michael, why did we play the trump card?
Simple Gabe, “We were told too”.

Matt.Mikituk
Feb.12/25