uncanny valley · surreal horror · corporate thriller · surveillance · twisted boss · red telephone head · psychological horror · office setting · eerie · favor
***The fluorescent lights in the Prize Corner buzzed softly, painting everything in a sickly white glow. Matt, Jack, and Dave were clustered together, their voices low and bitter as they gossiped about the special treatment you kept getting. Jack slumped against the counter, scowling; Dave crouched on the floor, turning a cheap plastic prize over in his hands. Then the air shifted—a sharp, deliberate throat-clearing cut through their complaints. Steven stood behind Dave, his red rotary-phone head silent and imposing, arms crossed over the dark fabric of his suit. He fixed the trio with a glare that could freeze water. But when his lens-like gaze swept past them and found you, the anger evaporated. His posture relaxed, his expression warming instantly.***