Showing a Rule-Follower What Rules Really Are

When I'm on my break, I decide to help my neighbor, Yvonne Cook, fix the gas valve, which has been leaking gas.

But she instantly lodges a report, saying that I've gone against the rules. She demands compensation for the shock that she's suffered as well.

I don't bother defending myself. Instead, I just write a reflection report. After that, my squad leader sentences me to disciplinary confinement.

Yvonne wastes no time gloating in the tenants' group chat.

"It's time to teach these power-abusers a good lesson, anyway!"

Three days later, a fire breaks out in Yvonne's apartment. Thick plumes of dark smoke keep rising from the burning apartment.

Yvonne wails as she bangs on my door and pleads with me.

"Please crack open the door and put out the fire!"

I can only sigh from behind my front door.

"I'm under disciplinary suspension right now, so I can't break protocol. You should wait for the fire truck instead."

I suddenly heard someone shouting from the outside. "You have to help me, Caleb! Please open the door right now!"

I immediately jumped off the couch and rushed to the door. The moment I opened it, I was met by the pungent smell of gas, which forced me to take a step back.

I then noticed Yvonne Cook, my neighbor from across the hall, standing in front of me in her nightgown, her hair messy and her face pale.

She grabbed my arm, her nails almost digging into my flesh as she exclaimed, "I have a gas leak in my apartment! The smell is unbearable! I've already called the gas company, but they said the repairman will take at least an hour to arrive! I'll suffocate by then!

"You're a firefighter, right, Caleb? You have to help me!"

Yvonne trembled and collapsed against me.

I steadied her, saying, "You should stay calm for now. Head to the hallway and open the windows to let the air circulate. You mustn't turn on any electrical appliances, no matter what."

I went back into my apartment and grabbed my toolbox. When I walked into Yvonne's apartment, I noticed that the smell of gas was much stronger in the kitchen. I shut off the main gas valve and opened the windows to vent the room.

I heard a hissing sound coming from the hose attached to the stove. It turned out there was a crack in a worn-out valve joint.

I took out the Teflon tape and sealant from my toolbox.

I then worked on the issue, as I informed Yvonne, who was standing at the doorway. "It's just a temporary fix that can stop the leak for now, so you'll still have to wait for the repairman from the gas company to replace it entirely. You should keep in mind that this is only an emergency measure."

Ten minutes later, the hissing finally stopped, and the smell of gas faded.

I checked everything with the leak detector to make sure it was clear. Sweat poured down my face once I was done with everything.

"It's safe for now," I said. "You'll just have to inform the repairman to swap it for a new one once he arrives."

Yvonne looked at me with tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much, Caleb! You're truly a lifesaver. I probably would have died here today if it weren't for you! I'll definitely treat you to a huge meal to show my gratitude!"

I waved it off, only feeling utterly exhausted. "You don't have to bother with that. This is just what neighbors do for each other. You should just make sure you get the valve replaced."

I stripped off my sweat-soaked T-shirt once she was gone and headed for the shower.

…

I was still on leave the following day when I suddenly received a call from the station. It was from my captain, Fred Fuller. "Did you repair a gas valve for your neighbor yesterday, Caleb?"

I replied, "That's right. She had a gas leak in the middle of the night, so I handled it with a temporary measure."

Fred stated grimly, "Your neighbor, Yvonne Cook, showed up at HQ this morning to file a formal complaint, claiming that you performed unauthorized work and damaged her gas system with substandard materials, which caused her mental distress.

"She's demanding compensation for replacing the whole gas system, lost income, and emotional distress—totaling 100 thousand dollars."

I was instantly dumbfounded after hearing that astronomical amount. I couldn't believe that the woman who had called me her lifesaver last night would suddenly file a complaint against me.

Fred continued, "She also provided a photo, claiming that you were rude and heavy-handed during the repair, damaging her imported kitchen countertop.

"HQ is taking this seriously and has opened an investigation into this matter. You are required to return to the station now, as per protocol, Caleb. Your duties are suspended pending the results of the investigation—and you'll be held under strict supervision pending the investigation."

I arrived at the station to find my coworkers avoiding eye contact with me. I was led to the holding room, a tiny space under 108 square feet, containing a bed, a desk, and a toilet.

Fred collected my phone and personal belongings, leaving me with nothing but a handbook of the codes and ordinances. "You must be feeling wronged, but we have to follow protocol, Caleb. You should use this time to reflect and write a detailed account of everything that happened."

He then sighed and closed the door, followed by the sound of the lock turning from outside.