Clutching at Straws

EPISODE 1 PART 1:

I looked at the time as I logged off for the day.

"7:22"

Maybe If I hurry I can grab something to eat on the way home. I was already so tired and in no mood to cook. The workload is not really helping. Who would have thought a sick day in school is not as enjoyable as a sick day at work. The work just sits there waiting for you to come back as it becomes more and more "Urgent", I thought as I stuffed my folders and notebook inside my bag grabbing my charger and putting on my coat.

As I made my way towards the exit, I waved goodbye to Maria, my supervisor who was wrapping up as well. She stayed to give me company and to make sure I was not alone. She is in her 40s and she does these cute things sometimes that usually go unnoticed.

Coming back to the dinner problem, I wondered if it would be wise to go to the nearby Bar, where the usual crowd from work hangs out after 5. I had a text message from Caylee asking if I would be stopping by since it's Friday. When I first started I had befriended her as she happens to be the social media manager in my team. Much like her job profile, Caylee's personality is also very vibrant and outgoing. Especially on weekends. The last time I went for a drink on a Friday with Caylee when she promised she will drop me off, I had to uber home trying to stay awake to keep an eye on the sketchy driver. Caylee on the other hand, had a great weekend though she really liked the guy she ditched me for, She told me next Monday. She had on the same outfit as that of the fateful Friday. Unfortunately, the guy ghosted her. She was extremely upset until next Friday. There is never a boring moment with her but tonight I wanted a similar wild Friday except all I would do is sleep and come to work on Monday in my PJs.

I saw a bus just arrive at the stop a few feet away so I quickened my pace. Luckily the bus was mostly empty, I kept my bag on the seat beside me as I replied to Caylee.

"No Sorry, Had to rush Home. Take care!"

Caylee would probably be mad if she has a chance to check her phone plus she has her other friends to keep her company. I made a mental note to check on her before bed. My phone pinged and I thought it would be Caylee but instead, I was greeted by a group chat.

"Thomas added you to the Conversation"

My brain racked itself to find a face attached to that name.no Thomas works with me. I might have known someone from school named Thomas but this was not them either. As I tried to map the stranger in my head they started typing.

"Hello"

"Are you there?"

"Do I know you?" I typed back.

This better not be a Multilevel marketing scheme. I am in no mood for those

"I don't know, '' He continued.

"No matter how I put this, It'll sound crazy"

"I've gone over this so many times in my head"

Is this a cult? Aren't multi-level marketing cult-like though, I thought to myself. I have been listening to way too many true crime podcasts.

"Wait a sec"

"I have to add the others first"

"Please don't go"

So many messages, so little information, Definitely a pyramid scheme, and who is he adding? the downline. It would be rude if I typed this so I waited.

He added a few people in the chat. Some profile with autumn leaves sent a hello followed by another guy and a creepy-looking hooded profile picture dude who wrote "Seriously guys? A real genius idea this"

So We both agree I don't deserve to be recruited in this cult or scheme or whatever it is.

"Dan, Please shut up," Thomas wrote.