Wake up...

...

WAKE THE FUCK UP!

I sucked in cold, dead air as I regain consciousness.

"...make up the hours you missed, of course and--Goodness! Are you alright, sir?"

I couldn't yet make out the figure sitting at a desk across from me; only dim candlelight reflected off its pristine mahogany surface. I would not have thought anyone was there at all if I had not seen that perfect set of teeth--a wide, uncanny grin amidst the shadows.

"Wh--" My throat was dry, as if I hadn't spoken in years. "What...?"

"Oh, my apologies! Perhaps I should rephrase that... With all of the shifts that you have been missing lately, I think it would be most suitable for you to--"

"Who... Who the hell are you? Where am I?"

I could not see the man's face, but I could sense that he was chuckling to himself awkwardly and cocking his head in mild confusion. At least I could still see his smile in the candlelight. I didn't know if that brought me any reassurance.

"Excuse me, Mr..." He paused. I could hear him flipping through a stack of papers. "Caine, is it?"

I had never heard that name in my life. "Who the hell is--"

"Let's skip the pleasantries, shall we? You and I both know we're not here for small talk."

Heavy silence lingered on his lips, still pried open in a static smile.

"Then what exactly are we here for?"

His unseen expression changed as he cleared his throat. "You see, Mr. Caine, I could very well... how should I say this... relieve you from this position entirely." His otherwise silky smooth voice had a sternness to it now. "But I see it in your best interest, considering your current circumstances, to readjust your schedule to occupy the night shift from here onward. In the event of such an adjustment, I just need to ask you a few questions."