Benefits: A Topical Drabble

The soft pad, pad of fingers on a touch-screen was the only sound to be heard in the grubby, cramped cubicle. Joe perched on his chair nervously, eyes darting from his Case Manager opposite to the two assistant social workers, in full body armour, standing to attention by the door.

Case Manager Roberts looked up from the screen and addressed Joe:

“The government guidelines are quite clear; if you wish to continue to claim benefit you must demonstrate you are maximising resource efficiency. Now then, you have a choice: Will it be the right or the left kidney for donation?”