Every puppet has a master (marionette)

Chapter 8 "Erica"

"Wait. You trust your daughter with this job? You know about the animatronics during the night right?" I asked.

"Listen, I know the dangers. But my daughter is the best at thi-"

"What's with the "HELP WANTED" then?" I cut him off.

"Yes, that was for...eh...volunteers." He said.

"Volunteers? For what?" I said hastedly.

"To be an animatronic..." He said in a serious tone.

"But...how? You can't just turn someone into a character he-oh...uh. Never mind. So, I guess I'll go back to "my" box." I said while slowly backing away.

"You want to meet her do you?" He said while I put my hands/claws on the door knob.

"Yes please." I said in a polite tone.

"Go to the office around 11:50 pm." He said while cleaning his desk. I gave a reassuring nod and left. I went to the car to tell dad everything I learned. "Ok, so. Mr. Freddy or the owner, has a daughter and I think she may be able to help me. Who knew that the closest one was the right one?!" I yelled. "All we have to do is wait until 11:50 to see her. She works the night shift." My dad nodded as he tries to process the words I said. We go around town just to drive and go in and out of stores. Even with all the stares the customers gave me. We go through the video game section to see any new games that came out. Since I can't wear clothes because I'm too skinny, my dad carried my phone that would usually be in my pockets.

I look at the time...11:45.

We drive towards the pizzeria. Its now 11:55 pm and we got to the building. As I walk towards the front door, my dad drives away. He will pick me up at 6:30 am.

"Hello!?" I yelled through the halls. "Is anyone here?" I walk towards the office and the clock strikes 12. Midnight. I see a guard in the seat. Checking cameras and listening to a pre-recorded message. I step on a wrench in the ground. Why is that there? "Is anyone out there." They said. It's her! I thought. "Can I come in?" I said. She shone the light down the hallway. She had a face of concern. I then said, "Don't worry. I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to talk." She motioned me to come in. I then walked into the poorly lit room. She stared at me and looked exactly like in my dream. The blue eyes, long black straight hair, and had pearl white teeth. I stood there in awe. "Who are you?" She asked. "M-me? Oh, my name is Hartley. I was turned into the marionette from a dream. Not entirely sure how, but I was. And I had a second dream that had you in it and I tackled you. So I figured that you could help me. And...Freddy did this to me...in my dream until I get a girlfriend. But there may be another way." I gave a long winded explanation. "Uh huh. So I guess we will be partners for a while." She said, the  held out her hand for a handshake. "I'm Erica."