On this episode, Zack delivers a story revolving around James and Will, two co-workers who quickly become the closest of friends. Every time they’re together, no topic is off-limits, no discussion is out of reach. Until, something…changes.
Welcome to Smirk. A podcast that covers society and culture through a storytelling lens. Part creative writing, part discussion, and always interesting. Each week our hosts brings a story to the show, a story they wrote themselves. These stories can cover any topic the host wants to discuss, it can be lighthearted or more serious. No one but the author knows if these tales are truth or fiction, and part of the fun is guessing while you’re listening before the reality is made clear.
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Want to read Zack’s story “Pasts” in full? Think you can identify the moral or theme for this episode? Read it below, and then take a listen to the podcast.
Pasts
James works in a factory, and so naturally hates his job. But there is an upside. Despite his rather reserved nature, James has managed to make a really good friend in his boss, Will. Even though Will has a bit of an abrasive and boisterous personality, James finds himself able to bond with him. They have a mutual love of film and games and other geeky things. They could debate for hours over the best Star Wars film, or whether Ridley Scott has lost all of his talent. Whether Nintendo is for kids, or if video games are too expensive these days.
Needless to say, the two are bros in the workplace. Their co-workers often joke about the two being boyfriends, even. It’s a little rare for Will to be so close to one of his employees. Most people keep their distance because Will is an ex-con. This didn’t stop the factory owner from giving Will a chance, but it still makes it hard for co-workers to be close to him.
No one really knows what Will did to land in the clink, but the simple fact he’s been there is enough for most people. Not James, though. To him, a person’s past is nothing more than their prologue. Will was in prison almost twenty years ago, and whatever stupid thing he did to land there has long been history.
Will tells his story as such: He did something dumb, landed himself 8 years in prison. He got out in only 3 on good behavior. Knowing his life was now forever tarnished by this, he did all he could. He got himself educated, put himself through apprenticeships, and eventually worked his way up to being in charge. He feels remorseful for what he did, and he has no choice but to keep moving on with his life. James finds the story inspiring, and counts himself lucky to have such a friend.
Now one day at work, James is told by a newer co-worker what Will’s crime was out of the blue. James refuses to believe it, and looks into it himself. A quick Google search brings up not only Will’s record, but several articles relating to the crime from back when the arrest occurred. James is horrified, the deed was far worse than he imagined. It’s the most heinous crime he could possibly conceive of.
Ever since James has been blowing Will off, with Will utterly confused as to why. When they are forced into interacting, James still feels that old spark of friendship as before, but he just can’t forget those articles he read. In fact, James begins looking for a new job just to escape being around Will. He can’t be around a person who would commit such a crime any longer.
Now, listen to the full episode as we dissect Zack’s story.