A Whisper of Truth

One faithful day, Michael's Phone buzzed on the table; the call was a drawback from the journey of thought and imagination.

"Hello?"

"Michael, it's James... James from the office," came a voice on the other end; the voice was low, as though he didn't want to be overheard.

Michael wondered. He hadn't spoken to anyone from his old job for a long time, almost since his termination. "James? What is the reason for our call?"

"Michael, it's not what you think. I know I have not done well by not calling you ever since you have been dismissed." James pleaded to Michael.

"This is not time for that, can I please know why you have called?" He asked, his voice strict.

"I know this is not the best day to discuss such that, but I've been meaning to reach out. Something's been eating at me. Do you have a moment to talk?"

Michael's heart raced. He glanced toward the kitchen doorway, ensuring the kids were still occupied. "About what?"

There was a pause before James responded. "About why they fired you. Michael, it wasn't what they told you. You didn't deserve what happened."

Michael's grip on the phone tightened. The bitterness and resentment in him resurfaced. "James, if this is some kind of joke."

"It's not," James interrupted. His voice was firm. "I was there, Michael. I overheard them. They were looking for a scapegoat, and... they chose you."

Michael leaned back against the couch, his ear tingled. "What are you talking about? Scapegoat for what?"

"There was some mismanagement higher up—missing funds, contracts mishandled. When the board started asking questions, they needed someone to blame to cover their tracks. You were the one they resolved to."

Michael's mind raced as he tried to process James's words. "Why didn't you say anything back then? Why now?"

James hesitated. "I was scared, okay? People were getting fired left and right, and I didn't want to be next. But I've been carrying this guilt, Michael.

"What is my offense that made them think I should be the one to face the consequences of their actions?" Michael couldn't think straight and reason out what could have prompted them.

"You were one of the most hardworking people there, and they ruined your career for something you didn't do," James added.

Michael stood, pacing the small living room. His voice rose with frustration. "Do you have any idea what that did to me? To my family? They tore my life apart, James!" His voice vibrated on the phone. "My wife left me with two children because I was sacked without pity. Why?"

"I know," James said quietly. "And I'm sorry. That's why I'm calling. I wanted to give you the chance to set the record straight."

Michael stopped pacing, running a hand through his hair. "How? What can I possibly do now?"

"There's proof," James said. "Emails, memos—things they thought were deleted. I can get them to you, but... it'll take time. You deserve the truth, Michael, and they deserve to be exposed."

Michael's eyes widely opened, just like a veil had fallen from his eyes. The proof mentioned by James felt like a lifeline, but it also felt like reopening a wound that had barely begun to heal.

"Why are you doing this now, James?"

"Because it's the right thing to do," James replied. "And because you deserve to take back what they took from you."

Michael was silent for a long moment. Emilia's voice came out from the other room, calming him slightly. He turned back to the phone. "If you're serious about this, I'll listen. But James, if this is just a game..."

"It's not," James assured him. "I'll be in touch soon. Take care of yourself, Michael."

As the call ended, Michael reluctantly sat down on the couch, his mind wandering with emotions. Anger, hope and a newfound determination all are struggling for expressions.

"Who was that?" Emilia's voice startled him. He looked at her to see her standing in the doorway, her face filled with concern and uncertainty.

"An old friend at my former office," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "He had... information about why I was fired."

She walked over and sat beside him. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know, my head is thinking about many things at the moment" he admitted. "If what James is saying is true, then everything I thought I knew about that situation is a big lie. And if he's lying, then..."

"Then it's just more pain to deal with," Emilia finished for him. She placed a hand on his arm. "You've been through enough, Michael. Do you want to dig all of this up again?"

Michael looked at her; the concern on her face was obvious. "I need to know the truth, Emilia. For my sake, for the family's sake. I can't keep living with this cloud over my head."

She nodded slowly. "Then I'll support you, whatever you decide to do. But promise me one thing."

"What's that?"

"Don't let it consume you. You have so much to live for now. Don't lose sight of that."

He felt emotional about her words. He nodded positively, reached out, and squeezed her hand, "I am grateful for your unwavering support."

She smiled and gestured towards the room.

"I promise you, I won't let it consume me," Michael said with confidence.

Clara and Clement were in their room playing.

"Clara? Come and see your favorite cartoon." she rushed out to the sitting room, and Michael asked to come sit beside him.

"You looked worried, Dad," Clara, being inquisitive, asked softly. "I am cool, daughter; I am just being bothered a bit about something. "

"Your dad will be fine Clara," Emilia spoke loudly from her room. "Clara, I am coming to watch the cartoon with you; I will be with you in a moment."

Michael tried hard to ease himself with the cartoon, but he couldn't.

The word 'scapegoat' kept ringing in his head.

"Kids, I will have to leave you with your cartoon now; Dad has something to do in the bedroom."

"Okay, Dad, Clement waves to him."

Michael to the bed and continues his logical thinking.