Years

[Narrator] I should have been very happy the day I was promoted to Level 201 and became part of the elite, but it only registered minimally. I seemed incapable of emotions such as triumph, joy, and satisfaction of late.
[Mr Wilkins] "How quickly time passes. It seems like just yesterday you were here for your first promotion."
[Narrator] I had no recollection of the passage of time. "Mr. Wilkins, how long has it been?"
[Mr Wilkins] "Our records tell us you have been with the company 24 years."
[Narrator] I was shocked. Had it really been that long? Mr. Wilkins seemed oblivious as he produced the latest promotional document and allowed me to sign.
[Mr Wilkins] "Excellent. Now if you'll report to Sublevel 19, the transaction will be complete."
[Narrator] A feather of emotion scratched at the wall I had so carefully constructed around my inner feelings. It was fear. "Why would I go there? Surely my modifications are complete. I mean, there's nothing else to be done to me, is there?"
[Mr Wilkins] "There are more modifications that can be done. Good day."
[Narrator] In the elevator, I pressed the button for the ground floor. I decided I would leave. Leave the building. Leave the company. I was not returning again to Sublevel 19.