For some reason, this night seemed to be easy—I wasn't sure whether my experience from the previous nights contributed to it or the animatronics were 'going easy' on me. Either way, it wasn't my problem anymore, as this is my last night here anyways. I drafted up a message to quit beforehand, but I think I should send it after I get out of here. Something was fishy.
I shut down the security tablet and placed it on the table before standing up from my chair. I stretched myself well before grabbing the VHS tape and walking out of the office. As I walked down the right hallway, I noticed that the posters had returned to their previous state. Maybe it had a deeper meaning. It didn't matter though--It was just something I noticed from the other night.
As I entered the dining room, I rubbed my palm across the fabric of the dining tables, feeling the dust that coated them. Some areas of the cloth were rough yet soft. Soon enough, my hands traveled to the triangle-shaped, plastic chairs. The animatronics stood expressionless at the stage, a sight I was used to by now. Their eeriness slid off me like sparks from a flame.
I walked past the show stage, toward the exit of the pizzeria. Before turning the corner to the exit, I stopped in front of the Prize corner.
It had completely slipped my mind. This was the last time my father and I had an actual conversation. I mean, I did ignore him half the time for some reason. Though, I couldn't remember what.
I looked around the booth and noticed the various toys and trinkets that had remained untouched for all these years. Then, there were the plushies, sitting on colored, wooden shelves—untouched.
I should take one for the road. After all, I did a lot to survive Five Nights at Freddy's.
I stood there, debating which plushie to take. My eyes locked on a particular one. It was the plushie that my father told me about.
Fredbear.
I took Fredbear off the shelf and blew the dust off his yellow fur. Surprisingly, it was soft, despite looking old. It was practically calling me to take it home. Maybe he was uncomfortable staying here any longer.
I turned to the exit. I was ready to get out of here already...
***
I finally arrived at my dorm, stripping the vest from my body and throwing it on the couch. I sat down on the couch, next to the vest that lay messily. I sighed loudly, relaxing my body. It was finally over. I never have to go back to that hellhole again.
Reminding myself, I felt around my jean pockets to find my phone. I needed to send that message of me quitting. I opened my e-mails and navigated to the draft section, where I saw my well-put message. I was about to click send when I received an email notification.
It was from Henry.
I opened the email and began reading it.
"Hi, it's me, Henry!
I was emailing you to see if you could work the weekend. I had no one else to turn to, as a family emergency arose.
I know this is a tremendous favor since you are supposed to take the weekend off, so I'm going to pay you extra if you do accept. Please let me know your answer as soon as possible. Preferably before the next night shift.
Thanks."
Well, that was certainly unexpected. This changes my initial plan that I had set up.
I was going to leave not only because there were animatronics actively trying to kill me but to avoid enduring more trauma from the tapes Cassidy wanted me to collect. At some point, I believed I would encounter a memory of mine. But instead, It felt like I was discovering an unsettling truth—one that was never meant to be found. It drove me to confront Cassidy about it. It was a gnawing feeling in my gut.
However, now that Henry has entered the picture, I don't think I can turn him down. Not after he saved my life. On top of that, he has a family—something I've longed for. It would be a shame if I let him down like that. Henry might even compare me to my father, which is something I don't want. I'll never be like him.
Ever.
Even so, spending two more nights at Freddy's might be a challenge. I mean, surviving five nights wasn't difficult, but it wasn't easy either. I had to learn very quickly how much danger I was in.
On top of that, Henry even offered to pay me extra.
I sat on the couch, contemplating the options. Do I accept or not?
***
"How did he get out again? I was sure he was going to be gone for good!"
Henry sped down the busy highway, passing cars as they made a whoosh sound behind him. Rain poured down on the windshield with force as the wipers tried their best to swipe it out of the way, only to be replaced quickly with more rain. Henry could feel the tires lose traction sometimes but managed to compensate so he didn't get into an accident.
Henry needed to get home before Afton could have a chance. He is not going to repeat the same mistake.
Henry turned hard into the freeway exit and rushed past the stoplights. There was no time to waste---His daughter was in danger.
Passing a few more lights, he finally reached the road that led him straight to his home. Luckily, there was nobody in the driveway or near his house that looked suspicious. Henry slowed down and parked in his driveway, shutting off the car and leaving the keys inside for a quick exit.
Henry got out of the car and quickly made his way to the door, barging it open.
"Abby! Where are you, Abby!" Henry shouted, looking around the living room. He went through the rooms of the house, checking them off like it was a list.
"Abby! Respond to me!" Henry shouted once more. Is she at school already? What time is it?
Henry checked his silver watch and saw it was 6:30 AM. School starts at 7:00 AM. That means she should be getting ready, right?
Immediately, Henry rushed to Abby's room. Hopefully, she was still there.
Henry flung open Abby's door, startling her as she swung her backpack on her back. Henry felt relieved seeing his daughter safe and sound. Luckily, Abby was dressed up and ready to head to school. The plans, however, were going to change.
Abby slid off a headpiece from her ear and gave Henry a smile.
"I knew I heard something," Abby said, smiling. The smile soon was replaced with a confused look on her face.
"Why do you look so pale, dad? What's going on?" she asked. Henry snapped out of his frozen state when he heard Abby's concerned voice.
"Heh, nothing, sweetie. Everything's alright." Henry didn't have time to explain the situation---Besides, he doesn't think a twelve-year-old would understand.
"Uh... you know what! You don't have to go to school today! Yeah!" Henry stuttered.
"In fact, you don't have to go this week! Uh, just come with me. We need to go," Henry said, gesturing for Abby to come to him.
"Okay?" Abby said, walking to Henry as he placed his arm around Abby's shoulder, softly directing her to the front door.
Finally, they both made it outside and walked to the driveway, where the car was located. Henry talked to Abby about different subjects to make everything seem alright when it wasn't. Deep down, he knew he was being hunted.
After tucking Abby in the car, Henry got inside and started it, backing up from the driveway and into the street. Henry turned the car to face the main street and began driving in that direction. At the end of the street, cars passed by as Henry looked both ways safely until he spotted a purple car coming from the right.
It was Afton's car.
***
After taking a few minutes, I decided to accept Henry's offer.
There was no harm if I went back. I mean, I know how to counter the animatronics already, and I was going to get paid extra. Not only that, I kind of owe Henry. It was an offer I couldn't turn down.
I checked the time on my phone, seeing it was 7:00 AM. I need to get ready for my lectures. It didn't make sense to go to sleep now since it was only going to be an hour. Besides, I could use the extra time to work on my project.
Now that I think about it, isn't Robin supposed to be coming in any minute by now? I swear he studies too much.
Thmpf!
The floor suddenly vibrated beneath my feet. It felt as if a heavy object had fallen onto the floor. A muffled sound emitted from Robin's room. Maybe Robin did come back earlier.
"Robin? You okay, man?" I called out. No response. Maybe he was sleeping? I should check.
I got up from the couch and walked up to Robin's door. First, I knocked.
"Yo! Robin! Are you alright?" I called again. No response. He must be a deep sleeper. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of it. I slowly opened the door, careful to not wake Robin.
My smile faded immediately as I opened the door. A metallic scent filled the air as the scene unfolded before me.
Robin sat at his computer desk, his head dislocated from his body. A thick stream of blood flowed down to his chair, where it dripped on the floor. Robin's head lay below on the blood-soaked carpet, his face frozen in terror.
I shook my head in disbelief. The room tightened around me as each drip of blood echoed louder than the last. My breathing became shaky. My knees weakened as I dropped to the floor. I covered my mouth, but it didn't matter. For the first time, I screamed with all my might.
It was a scream filled with despair.