Dots and Zeros [Completed]

22. Madeline

Ever since I found out the doors don't open until eight fifteen, I've been arriving one minute before that time. Today is slightly different. I slept awful the past two nights and got into my car five minutes late. And five minutes late apparently meant five times more traffic than usual.

I drive my car onto the parking lot and see a small group standing at the doors. That isn't anything out of the ordinary. The weird thing is that Tobias seems to be the center of attention. It's also strange considering it's past eight thirty. The small group of people should've long been inside already.

I park my car in one of the last available spots. With my bag hanging from my shoulder I approach the group. I see Ramona wave at me, so I walk up to her.

'Hey,' I say. 'What's happening?'

'The doors didn't open,' she says.

'Don't they do that automatically?'

'They're supposed to. But they didn't. No one has any idea why.'

There's somewhere between twenty and thirty people gathered. A handful of them are talking to Tobias. He's looking at the ground and making all sorts of gestures with his hands.

'Apparently someone already called Mr. Rossingol to come open the doors with his key,' Ramona says. 'On his day off.'

'Poor Tobias.'

'Yeah, this isn't good for him. Not that I think this will have consequences for him.'

'You don't think so?'

'No, he's a great worker. Everyone has a setback every now and then.'

'I guess you're right.'

The sun has already come up and is shining on the windows. It creates an orange and yellow glow on the building. I check my phone for messages, but there's nothing new since Saturday. From the corner of my eye I can see Ramona stare at me. I look at her.

'What?' I ask.

'Are you okay? It looks like Hypnos hasn't visited you in weeks.'

'What?'

'It looks like you haven't slept in weeks,' she explains.

'Oh, I'm fine.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yes I'm sure.'

'If you say so. If there's anything you- there's Mr. Rossingol.'

My eyes follow her pointed finger and I see a bald man walk towards us. He doesn't look pleased, but makes sure to somewhat smile as he approaches the group.