Scale: Chapter Two

::A Son and his Mother::

The graveyard shift at the National Institute of Human Obesity Studies was the worst. It became a national mandate to have every person living in the U.S. to weigh themselves three times a day: 8 AM, 1:45 PM, and 9 PM. Every scale in these households were hardwired to a main server at the NIHO. If a number was over the acceptable weight, a signal would be sent to one of the analyst on that shift and he or she would issue a warrant and make the call to the Health Police. The graveyard shift was the worst because it was usually the busiest time when the signals would go off.

One of those analyst was Greyson Neely. He had only been working at NIHO for a little over a year. For the most part, it was an easy job. For the most part.

A year ago, he had made the decision to take the job. But he was having qualms about it. Was it right to forcefully place people in the middle of nowhere because of a weight problem? Was it solving anything?

"Greyson, I left you a plate in the kitchen. Pancakes, your favorite." His mother looked at him adoringly. Here eyes were tired and the crow's feet lining her face gave away her daily habit of smoking. "Have you thought anymore about the offer from the government weight place?"

"NIHO, mom. The National Institute of Human Obesity." He sighed. He was worried about leaving his mother behind all by herself. She wasn't working and his dad had left them when he was ten. "Yea, I have been thinking about it. It's a pretty good offer. But do you think you'll be alright?"

She smiled and lied, "Of course, dear. I'll be just fine."

Greyson could tell his mother wanted a cigarette by the way she was looking around and twiddling her thumbs.

"Well, then I think I'll call Mr. Blue today and tell him I accept. I won't start until after the holidays anyway, so I won't be gone for awhile. Two months."

Her eyes became glassy and she felt the emotions well up in her throat. She didn't know if they were tears of happiness or sadness. "I know its a hard decision, Grey. But, you're helping to make a change in this world. Nothing you're doing is wrong. You should be proud of yourself."

Did all moms get the same handbook with those little sayings that try to make you feel better? The cookie cutter stuff. Or was it just memorized lines from family television sitcoms like from The Cosby Show or Full House?

He let her ruffle his hair like she used to do at his little league games when he was younger.

"Ok, I'll see ya downstairs. Remember, pancakes. Don't wait too long or they'll get cold." She closed the door behind her.

"How bad could it be?" he said to no one in particular. He picked up his phone and began to dial.