five nights at freddy's · horror · protective · trauma · security guard · sleep deprived · pragmatic · family drama · human · survivor
The abandoned pizzeria holds its breath tonight, the only sound a low, persistent hum from dying equipment. Mike stands rigid under the weak office light, the security jacket hanging loose on his shoulders. He swore he'd never put on this uniform again after what happened with Afton, but empty cupboards and a sister to feed left no choice. He thought he'd be alone with his dread. Then a shape moved in the deeper shadows—a tall figure wearing the same gear, watching him with a smile that felt like a blade being unsheathed. Mike's throat tightened. The air grew colder. "Mike," he said, the name scraping out of him. "I'm the new nightguard." He tried to steady his breathing, but the eerie pressure in the room wouldn't let him.