EMOTION MARKET: the Tailor of Hearts - A gripping psychological thriller

by Dimitris Chasapis

  “The only acceptable intensity for those emotions is a minimum one! People can only reduce the intensity of their bad emotions with a visit to an Emotion Market. In certain cases of convicted felons, the State is considering enforcing the maximum reduction of intensity in emotions that prove to be harmful for others.” This was one of the main reasons Caroline had been working on her technology for so long. She was happy to discuss this aspect of Emotion Market tech. Maybe it would help convince her many opponents…

  “How is that any different from a lobotomy?” Mary Ann pushed further, hoping to unnerve Caroline.

  “It is quite different I think. A rapist, a murderer, a terrorist or even a child abuser could be given a second chance! A real chance in life! That is, after they’re stripped of their emotional background that leads them to harm others.” This was a controversial topic, Caroline knew, but doesn’t everyone deserve a second chance?

  “Many people would argue that not everyone deserves second chances in life. The categories of people you mentioned are currently facing death sentences in several states in the US and countries all around the world.” Mary Ann tilted her head at Caroline and Caroline could feel the intensity in her eyes. Didn’t Mary Ann ever blink? Still, Caroline was determined to be unfazed.

  “I don’t believe in death sentences, Mary Ann. At least not now that almost everyone can be treated for their malice. Why kill when you can create life and love?” Who could argue with that logic? Caroline thought. But she already knew the answer to that question.

  “I respect your opinion, Caroline Emerson, as I do with others, but allow me to be dubious about that matter.”

  “I believe in forgiveness. For me it is vital to be able to forgive myself and others.”

  Mary Ann thought about how naïve this woman was… she would be easy to break.

  “Yes, but won’t this whole thing become some sort of an addiction, doctor? I mean visiting an EM every time something is wrong could become a way of life for many.”

  “I hope it doesn’t.” Caroline knew that wasn’t a strong reply, but what else could she say at this point?

  “Yes, but with only wishful thinking one can’t get very far!” said Mary Ann sarcastically.

  "I mean that I hope people realize that our emotions need to be treated with respect. No addiction conforms with respecting ourselves. The use of Emotion Markets is for the improvement of one’s emotional-self.” Caroline realized that she had been sinking further in her chair and quickly sat up straight again. She could not let Mary Ann intimidate her on worldwide television. What would her mother say?

  “So you think or rather hope that there will be no abuse,” Mary Ann said with thinly veiled sarcasm.

  “Exactly, I think there is no room for abuse. Everyone’s emotional invasive procedure is monitored closely and a record is being kept in order to prevent cases of abuse. I have spent too much time in meetings and discussions with medical and science experts about the terms and conditions that rule the use of Emotion Markets,” Caroline said confidently. Even though secretly she had her doubts, now was not the time to express them.

  “Is it true, Caroline Emerson, that you hold a permanent position on the board of the International Council of Emotional Control?” Mary Ann shifted her questions to the controversial organization. She knew her viewers would be hanging on her every word.

  “I work with ICEC as a freelancer. I am honored to be in some of the council’s meetings. But there is no permanent position on their board. No one there is permanent.” Caroline felt some beads of sweat forming on her forehead and she tried to subtly wipe them away.

  “Please explain to us why.” Mary Ann maintained a blank expression as she pushed her guest further.

  “The board of ICEC consists of people from all ages, origins and experiences. Their tour of duty lasts for two years and then they are replaced for the sake of evolution. Our emotions evolve too. Therefore, nothing permanent can decide for something that is constantly evolving. If someone from the board exhibits exceptional skills, then the board can select him or her for a freelance associate. My role as an associate at the ICEC is purely advisory, regarding the medical part of Emotion Market Technology.” Caroline felt she was rambling, but hoped she came across as professional.

  “I see... It’s true what you said, though, about permanence. Nothing permanent can decide for something that is constantly evolving. At this point we will take a short break and we’ll be back very soon with more Caroline Emerson. Stay with us.”

  “Am I any good?” asked Caroline with genuine interest.

  “You are coming out excellent! You seem honest and confident and that is good,” said Mary Ann West with an almost maternal smile on her face, and then she disappeared behind the door that led to her office.

  Caroline thought Mary Ann West wasn’t that much of a bitch after all. Or maybe it was possible that she reserved her attack for the second half of the show. Who knew? In any case, she now felt stronger and prepared to deal with any verbal attack. Perhaps she had nothing to fear all along. Why would anyone be skeptical about such a brilliant idea to begin with? she wondered.

  Several reasons came to her within seconds... Those who were raving on blogs about Emotion Markets apparently derived their passion from somewhere or something. It could be an idea or an inner need that they had. It could simply be that they had an opinion and wanted to express it. A wide variety of feelings could be traced if one bothered to “read between the lines” the bloggers and random visitors wrote. Caroline bothered… It was consuming… Supporters and rivals of the discovery and of the general idea that emotions were nowadays, something one could actually buy! Many of the rivals were of the worst kind. They probably outweighed the supporters. This was expected, however. Every new idea and discovery was fought in the beginning. The fear of change, the fear of something new… Why the hell did people think change was always for the worse? Was hope so deeply buried in the souls of mankind?

  While having these thoughts, her face changed many expressions. A man from the crew approached and asked her,

  “Everything all right Miss Emerson?”

  “Uh, yeah thank you. Everything is fine.”

  “Can I bring you something to eat or drink? Coffee maybe?”

  “No thank you, you’re very kind.”

  “May I say that you have done great so far. I am sure you’ll do just fine in the second half as well.”

  “You think? I don’t often give interviews, and so...”

  “Other interviews don’t really matter, Ms Emerson. Being in the 10 with Mary Ann show is a completely different thing because of the number of viewers that watch it! 450 million tuned in before the break and there are over 520 million now during the break.”

  “How come the number of viewers rose during the commercials?”

  “It could be that they liked you and urged others to watch the show, who knows? In any case, I believe that you and your discovery are truly great! Good luck, Caroline Emerson.”

  “Oh thank you, thank you very much.”

  Everyone there referred to her by her full name. Caroline Emerson. Probably it was yet another of Mary Ann’s obsessions. She thought that the use of one’s full name attached bombast to the guest, but she had failed to notice it in previous shows.

  The door of Mary Ann’s private office opened again and she called out the same rhyme:

  “Crew in 2”

  Caroline rushed and sat down in the brown leather armchair. When she saw her again, she thought that something had changed in the journalist’s expression. She had the look of a desperate woman. Despair... such a conspicuous emotion!

  Then followed the music theme of the show and Mary Ann’s expression changed once again; It was serious and rigorous now. As if she pulled a zipper from chin to forehead and made her previous expression disappear.

  “Welcome back to 10 with Mary Ann,” said the journalist with her familiar half-smile.

  "We are back for
more Caroline Emerson and I will insist on something we discussed over the break.”

  Since they had discussed nothing over the break, Caroline was sure that this was the moment that Mary Ann West would start her attack.

  “What do you have to say to the people that are not in favor of you and the medical tech you have discovered?” Mary Ann fought to keep her voice from shaking. No matter what, she had to stay in control.

  “Such a gentle way to put it… Saying that some people are not in favor of me and my medical tech is merely an understatement for what’s really going on, Mary Ann. There are many who fanaticize against the idea in the most offensive manner. They have started protesting on the streets. I don’t blame them. Everyone has their opinion about Emotion Markets. But I ask them to reconsider. Emotion Markets are for the betterment of the society. There are people out there who constantly suffer in their souls… their emotions, thinking that this can’t change. My discovery is here to demonstrate that if they need to change something inside them, they now can.” Caroline felt this was a strong answer. She was trying not to think about the millions who were listening to her – it was absolutely overwhelming!

  “Caroline Emerson, there is a very upset crowd outside who think that your discovery will only bring evil to society and mankind. What do you tell them?”

  “That an emotion market can help them get rid of the anger that resides within them,” Caroline quickly replied with a smile.

  “Ha, ha very provocative.” Caroline noticed Mary Ann’s leg shaking slightly. It seemed very out of character for her. Maybe she wasn’t as confident as she always seemed?

  “No, no I don’t intend to provoke. I want to stress that behind my medical discovery and the persistence it required is a mind that loves and forgives. My aim was the improvement of everyday life. To ease the pain and the burden.”

  “Doctor, it seems to me you are apologizing in a way. Are you?” Mary Ann was thinking about what she needed to say, but she was suddenly finding it quite difficult to focus at all. But she must.

  “Not at all, I don’t feel I have something to apologize for. I am a peacemaker by nature and therefore I try to explain to some people that they have gotten it all wrong due to lack of information. This medical tech is worthy to be given an opportunity to prove itself right.” Caroline leaned forward in her chair and spoke with sincere passion.

  “Does it really make any difference if some people are against it? From what I hear, some have already had the emotional surgery.”

  "To be accurate, it’s rather an emotional invasive procedure, Mary Ann. It has nothing to do with surgery. No lancet and no blood. It’s just wires, optical and sound beams, and sophisticated, state-of-the-art nanotechnology.” Caroline was happy to address this common misconception.

  “So it’s true! Many are already having these emotional invasive procedures.” Mary Ann knew this already, but she saw the opportunity to say what she needed to say.

  “Yes, it's true.” Caroline was a bit confused as this was no real secret. Was this the greatest attack Mary Ann had? If so, she could relax!

  “There you have it! You’ve got nothing to fear! I won’t lie, I have booked an appointment myself,” said Mary Ann West with a smug look.

  Caroline was surprised to hear this. After all, Mary Ann was not supposed to show any bias, and Caroline would have guessed that she would be more of a critic of Emotion Markets than a client. But this could only help her cause! Such an influential woman taking advantage of her discovery!

  “You have only to gain from the emotional invasive procedure, Mary Ann. I'm sure of it.”

  “From the way you advertise it, Caroline Emerson, one would think that you get a share from the profit. Is this accurate?” asked Mary Ann. Nothing could faze Caroline now. She had the answer to that question ready.

  “Well, legally the technology that accompanies my research and discovery is patented to me. I sold the operating rights to Emotion Market, the distribution company, with a single term.”

  “And what term is that?” Mary Ann asked casually. It seemed to Caroline that Mary Ann had lost some of her fire. The intensity in her eyes had been replaced by…was that fear?

  “A 10% share of the company’s profit will constantly be attributed to the Caroline Emerson Foundation! Also the company is obliged by the same contract to construct the first building of the foundation in Washington DC. It’ll be ready very soon.”

  “And what will be the purposes of this foundation exactly? Please enlighten us.” Mary Ann wished for the interview to be over but knew she had to press on.

  “The purpose of the foundation is emotional healing! For those in need who can’t afford to pay for their invasive procedure in an emotion market.”

  “It sounds like an excellent initiative.”

  “Glad you think so, Mary Ann. Thank you.” Caroline smiled warmly. This interview was going better than she ever could have expected!

  “So in a way it's like rich people will be paying for the poor people's soul healing.” Mary Ann took an intentional jab. Even if her mind wasn’t totally on the interview, she had not lost her contentious nature.

  “You don’t need to be rich to pay for an emotional invasive procedure, Mary Ann. The cost is approximately that of a plastic surgery... But I suppose that's correct. It was my way of ensuring that my medical tech will not apply to a certain financial class of society, but to everyone. Everyone in need, that is!”

  “Aren’t we all...? Caroline Emerson, thank you very much indeed for finding the time to be on my show. Dear viewers, join us again at tenwithMaryAnn.com. Until next time... be firm and honest.”

  “Cut!”

  That was it! The special lights of the show went off and the magic was suddenly lost. Mary Ann West thanked Caroline again and wished her rapid progress in her ongoing research. The show’s crew carried their equipment and quickly disappeared from the set. Their in-and-out of the set seemed perfectly rehearsed and synchronized. Caroline gazed as they rushed, following their every move. Her gaze lingered on Mary Ann as she was ordering the crew to hurry. Caroline thought that Mary Ann had played a role in tonight’s show. Their interview had gone by smoothly and the fearful journalist had been nothing but kind with her. She even stated she had booked an appointment in an Emotion Market. What more could she ask? Surely Mary Ann had asked some intriguing questions, but that was anticipated. Caroline had watched 10 with Mary Ann enough times to know that something had gone wrong in tonight’s show. It had all gone smoothly, which was an anomaly when you are being interviewed by this specific woman.

  She stood up and turned to the window with the magnificent view for the last time. It was so beautiful and melancholic. Thousands of apartments and thousands of lights twinkling incessantly. If you blurred your vision, you could see the alternations in lights when someone turned their switches on or off. The flashing lights made the city seem vital and happy! But is this vitality and happiness only in my imagination? she wondered. She frequently saw good where others only saw evil. It was in her character. That’s what Matt, a colleague of hers, had once said. She ought to be careful though. According to Matt, dreamers and optimists often risked misinterpreting behaviors and situations in life. Her previous thought may very well have been a misinterpretation. She saw twinkling lights in the city’s apartments and concluded that the city was vital and happy. She even imagined residents smiling and having a good time. Obviously she was wrong...

  Behind every switch and every light, there were probably some who had decided to end their lives in a brutal way, others that quarrelled with someone they loved and hurt, others that were in pain and despair. She recalled the feeling she had when she got the first findings of her research. Her discovery would embrace with affection all those who had lost their purpose in life. Those who had lost hope… The same optimistic and good willed character of hers was essentially behind this thought. The dreams she made for those in need, perhaps even for herself, were finally coming
to life. And it all was just starting to happen! No obstacle could stand in the way of the society’s emotional completion. Nothing she could predict, anyway.

  Her cell phone was still in silent mode and had been during her entire stay in the J.T. building. She reached for it from her handbag in order to call her mom. She had 28 missed calls and 41 text messages. She was flustered to see so many missed calls. Apparently 10 with Mary Ann had done a perfect job publicity-wise. She just didn’t expect her friends and colleagues to respond so quickly. She decided to read the text messages later. There were calls from telephone numbers that were not in her contacts. She wondered how people she didn’t know of got a hold of her cell number. What was important now was to return home as soon as possible. Thank God New York to Washington, DC was a short flight. Mother had told her she would wait for her to come back. She crossed the road opposite to J.T. and got inside the first taxi that stopped, although she didn’t like the driver’s face. She was in a hurry to go to the airport, back to Mom. Little did she know that her every move was being watched.

  CHAPTER 2

  NOT NOW, NOT EVER

  Mary Ann West exited her office without speaking to anyone, passed hastily by the corridor to the eastern wing of J.T. and opened the emergency exit door to the staircase. It would be her first time to go down the stairs from the 58th floor to the parking level. But those were their instructions. Refusing to accept their request wasn’t an option. The lights of the stairwell were yellowish and at some floors flickered making the whole scenery creepy. She felt incredibly dizzy and her high-heeled shoes made her descent even harder. She made an abrupt stop on the 42nd floor and took them off. She considered abandoning her heels for a while, but then regretted it since she didn’t have a spare pair in the car. She would have to carry them with her for the rest of her descent. Walking around barefoot wasn’t an option. Nor had she the time to change into something more humble, more... But what did humble clothes have to do with it? They hadn’t asked for money. She had done exactly what they had asked. Even more so… She stated it loud and clear just before the end of the interview. She tried to imagine what the kidnappers would look like. She imagined them to be tall and strong, wearing full-faced hoods and speaking English with an accent or another language that she wouldn’t understand… like in the movies. Only now it was happening in reality. Her reality… She started sobbing.