Warning Signs

Chapter 1

**SPOILERS: Fnaf timelines and lore are complicated andsometimes contradict each other. As such, this story takes place with theassumption that Charlotte Emily died at 3 years old at Fredbear's Family Dinerand was the first victim of William Afton. This story was also written beforethe release of Security Breach, so any information released after that date wasnot known at the time of writing. For the sake of simplicity, Sammy is notdiscussed in this story. Please keep all of this in mind if new information is latermade available to change what we canonically know and/or if your opinions onthe timeline differ.

"Will you be coming in today after work?"

I remember feeling like an excited child that morning. Business had been running smoothly, the grand opening two weeks prior had gone well. I was still riding high on my pride despite the passing days settling into a normal routine by that point. The diner was a success, families were happy, and the looks on people's faces when they saw the sophistication of the robotics still brought a warmth to my chest. Well, at least that's what my mind wanted to believe they were marveling at. No doubt in reality all people saw were happy dancing robots that entertained their children while they could take a break from life for a little while.

...Sorry. My pessimism seems to be leaking through.

I recall taking great care in selecting my shoes. An odd thing to be worried about given that no customer was going to care what shoes I wore as long as I looked presentable. I was caught up in the thrill of a new business. A new start. The joy of creating an advanced avenue of entertainment that was both an impressive mechanical feat as well as a place for everyone to enjoy with their families. I wanted to look the part of co-owner and represent the new company properly.

"Hon? Did you hear me? Will you be coming in today?"

I had called out to my wife a few times as I struggled with my tie in the mirror. I was happily anxious over the idea of her coming into the diner that day. She, of course, had been there at the grand opening, right alongside our daughter and my business partner. She had always been a great support throughout this business venture, and as such she was no stranger to the diner itself. But the idea of her coming in on a regular day, after the hustle and bustle of the opening, felt like another hit of pride for me. I wanted to show her a regular business day, away from the heightened emotions of the first one.

"I said yes," she said with a laugh, appearing in the closet doorway to momentarily speak to me before returning to getting ready herself. "I'll bring Charlotte."

"Okay, great," I replied, patting down my jacket and looking myself over one more time before deciding I looked fine.

I still remember Charlie on opening day. She had responded to the bright colors and sounds of the diner like any three-year-old would: happily squealing at anything that moved. I had hoped that she would grow up being raised in that world. Celebrating her birthdays each year in her own family's business. It would have been a wonderful way to celebrate my child growing up.

...That is, until it was taken from me.

...

...

You know, I never... I never got to...

...

I'm sorry. Can we stop for a moment?