Walking towards the bright yellow sign, I spot the phone box and relax. I left the house, and as soon as I stepped outside, my body warmed; that horrible cesspool colder than out here. Each step is painful, my body shakes and shivers, my head pounds and stomach churns. I can’t think about the pain and urge to throw up. I need to call Joey. I need to make it to that phone box.
He’ll come for me. He’ll rescue me.
I edge closer with each limp, my left side aching as I move my leg forward. I’m nearly there, just a few feet to go, the door in reach and in my hand. I slide it open and it reveals a metal phone with rusty numbers; half-torn posters and stickers decorate the walls, alongside black paint and the signatures of bored teenagers.
I tap the buttons and dial the vaguely familiar sequence I used to use when making a collect call to my parents. It rings…one ring…two rings…pick up Joey. Three rings…pauses…crackles…a fourth ring…a longer pause…a click…
“Joey,” I snap. “Are you there?”
“Aus, is that you?” he replies, his tone quick and short. “Where have you been? Are you okay? What the fuck is going on?”
“I’m fine,” I sigh, placing my forehead on the cold, metal wall. “I’m in Chapeltown. By the off-licence near Jim’s. I can’t remember anything, Joe. I’m freaking out.”
“Are you with Jim?”
“No. I’ve no idea where I’ve been.” I sigh again. “I can’t remember anything.”
“Jesus, brother. What the hell have you been up to?” He trails off and rustles some keys. “I’m coming right now. Don’t move, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Brother?”
“Yeah?”
“You sure you’re okay? You’re not hurt or anything, right?”
“I’m fine. I have the worst hangover ever, and can’t remember anything about last night, but I’m okay.”
“Last night?”
“Yeah. I remember leaving work, but then it’s a—“
“Aus, I’ve spent the last two days looking for you.“
“What are you talking about? What day is it?” I ask, my chest picking up its pace once again.
“It’s Saturday. It’s nearly two o’clock on Saturday. What day did you think it was?”
“I quit my job on Wednesday afternoon, and after that…”
“Wednesday?” He startles a laugh. “Shit. You’re a lunatic.”