A Family Man

1

Not again....

This has happened way too many times now. He keeps taking leaves almost at random. He was here yesterday; but isn't here today. He wasn't here the day before yesterday and might not be coming tomorrow. I really don't understand what goes on in that man's head. I mean, I never did, he's always been that- one kid in the playground who held up a dead snake and tried to bring it back to life. I really need to check up on him.

I sit down on my chair, in my office. I pick up my phone and call him. It takes a few tries, but he finally picks up.

"Hey, William!"

"Hi" he responds, with his tired, half dead-British accent

"You taking a leave? Again? You doing good?" I ask, staring at my office door as I see people walk past it.

"Yeah, I Uh...just feel a bit weak is all, d-don't worry 'bout it Henry"

Don't worry about it? Sure...sure....

"Well, alright, hope to see you here tomorrow pal, bye"

"Bye Henry" He hangs up.

I get up, stretch my arms a bit and look out the window. It's a beautiful morning. I should get to work. I leave my office and look around. The diner's got a few customers, but it's mostly empty. I walk up to a platform in the center of the diner where an employee is assembling the accessories on a bear animatronic.

"Hey Jack"

He gives me a genuinely happy smile. "Good morning, sir!"

"Whatcha' doing?"

"Heh... Nothing much, just uh...decorating Freddy here" he says, motioning to the brown furry bear animatronic. It looks worn out, but it's fine. Its limbs are in place and that's all I need to see. "Say, Mr. Emily?"

"Yeah?"

"I was wondering sir; I haven't seen Mr. Afton come in today...." Jack says, fixing up Freddy's bowtie.

"....I was wondering if I could show him some design ideas Andrea came up with." he says, pointing to a lady behind him, who was talking to a customer.

"He's taken a leave again, he's alright though I asked" I reply. I can see how concerned he is. He looks down at his shoes and back at me. "Well alright sir, tell if I can help you with anything at all."

"Sure, will do!"

I wave at him and go back to my office. Time to check on those new furniture items that are gonna get delivered today.