Nameless // Van McCann

3. I Worry About You Sometimes

"Christ, you fell asleep at your desk again, didn't you?"

Bondy grabbed my shoulder and roughly shook me awake. Normally I'd be upset but I was too surprised to act. I shot up in my seat wondering what the fuck just happened.

"It's 7 AM—time to wake up. You got a little somethin' on your face..." he trailed off, indicating on his face where it was.

I used the sleeve of my shirt to wipe my face and realized it was drool. I didn't realize I fell asleep after I turned Jim in. Speaking of Jim.... My eyes flitted to the screen and I was relieved it was pitch black. My computer was on sleep mode after being inactive for so long so I'm glad Bondy didn't get a chance to see what I was up to.

"Thanks mate," I muttered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

I must've forgotten to set my alarm last night. I'm usually awake before Bondy leaves the flat. When he saw I hadn't woken up yet, he must've come in to check on me. Bless him for doing that or else I would've gone to work late. Bondy eyed me with a look that I understood clearly. It was obvious he wanted to know what I was up to but I'm a private person and would never tell him.

"Well I'm off to work. I'll see you in the evening," he said, taking off his cap to bid me adieu.

He put it back on and stepped out of my room so I could get on with my day. Once I was certain he left, I sighed loudly before making my way towards the loo. Waking up was my least favorite part of the day. I was always tired and it didn't help when I kept staying up later at the expense of my sleep. There's a name for it: revenge bedtime procrastination. Bondy told me one day after I vented to him.

"It's a psychological phenomenon where people sacrifice sleep for leisure because they lack time during the day," Bondy explained.

I had no idea it was a common occurrence. Common enough to have a name for it. Now I was paying for it but I wasn't the least bit upset about it. I woke up my computer and exited out of everything before properly shutting it down. I wasn't sure how quickly the police go through their anonymous tips. And even if they did read it, I imagine it'd take time to gather enough evidence for the judge to issue a search warrant. Of course I could expedite things for them by dropping off the backup of Jim's computer but that means I risk being seen.

I changed my clothes and stepped into the kitchen to make a cup of tea and placed two slabs of Weetabix into a bowl. I poured milk in, added some sugar, and walked over to the table to eat. After eating, I went to pack my lunch and was pleased to find curry and rice in the fridge. Thank you Bondy! Once I gathered all my things, I made my way towards the door to put my boots on and I stepped out to catch the bus to work.

As soon as I arrived, the fact that Dan was really gone hit me. His desk was bare and I lingered by the doorway looking for any signs that Dan had been here but there were none. He starts his new job on Monday which is on the east side. In other words, I won't see him around often but we did promise to keep in touch. I felt a hand on my shoulder and saw that it was Ben.

"I miss him too," Ben said softly.

"Well I don't. Do ya reckon I can get his desk?" I asked, keeping my tone serious. Ben choked on his laugh and I grinned at him.

"I'm gonna tell Dan you said that," he threatened playfully. "Made my morning. Didn't know you were funny, Van."

I don't really want Dan's desk. He has the worst desk in the office despite being here longer than most of us. His cubicle is right next to the loo. If I had to hear the toilet flush all the time, I'd go mad. How he dealt with it for so long, I've no idea but bless him for taking one for the team. Whoever we hire to replace Dan will have to endure the cubicle loo and prove they're worthy of a nicer desk.