Five Nights | A Novella

Ava Miller

   As Carissa descended the stairs, preparing to embark on her second shift, her gaze fell upon a photograph resting on the shelf. The image captured a moment shared between herself, Henry, Emilie, and Charlie. A pang of loneliness washed over her as she fixated on the frozen smiles. Determined to push these feelings aside, she shook off the melancholy and departed from her home, making her way swiftly to the familiar embrace of the pizzeria.

   When she reached the pizzeria, Carissa slipped seamlessly into her well-practiced routine. Retrieving the keys, she unlocked the gate and entered the establishment. Methodically, she set about tidying up the space, ensuring everything was in order. Finally, she made her way to the security office, flicking on the surveillance cameras.

   However, as the minutes ticked by, a wave of exhaustion engulfed her. Fatigue crept into her bones, leaving her unable to resist the allure of the desk before her. Succumbing to the weariness, Carissa found herself surrendering to a deep slumber, her head gently resting on the desk's surface.

   Like always, she found herself back at the park. She watched as Charlie was taken away in that same purple car. The sight of it sent a wave of numbness through her body, as if she had become accustomed to this heart-wrenching scene. But then, she felt a pair of eyes on her, piercing through her thoughts. Turning her body around, she came face to face with the same five kids, their angry gazes fixed upon her.

   "Please, please don't run," Carissa pleaded desperately to the children, her voice filled with a mix of fear and determination.

   "I just want to know who took my sister," she muttered, her words barely audible. A heavy silence hung in the air, as the children remained silent, refusing to offer any answers. Frustration began to build within Carissa, fueling her anger.

   "Who took Charlie!" Carissa's voice echoed through the park, causing the children to scatter in different directions, fleeing from her wrath.

    Carissa's heart raced as she chased after a red-haired boy, his hand appearing to be replaced by a menacing hook. Assurance fueled her every step, desperate to confront him. Finally catching up to him, she grabbed his shoulder. In a swift, unexpected motion, he turned around and slashed her arm with his hook, sending shockwaves of pain through her body. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked down at her bleeding arm, the vivid reality of the situation sinking in.

   As Carissa tried to comprehend the pain, her gaze shifted back to the boy. To her horror, his eyes turned pitch black, as if consumed by darkness. Tears of ink streamed down his face, creating an eerie and unsettling sight. The boy's anguished screams pierced the air, assaulting Carissa's ears with their intensity. The sound reverberated within her mind, jolting her awake from the haunting nightmare.

   The office was engulfed in an unsettling ambiance as the lights flickered intermittently. Suddenly, an intrusive burst of music erupted from the speakers, grating Carissa's ears. Instinctively, she shielded her ears, desperately seeking refuge from the jarring melody. Determined to restore tranquility, she made her way towards the breaker, her footsteps echoing in the dimly lit room.

   With a flick of the switch, the music abruptly ceased, bringing a momentary respite. However, her relief was short-lived as a persistent buzzing sound filled the air, capturing her attention. She shifted her focus to the monitors and her eyes widened at the sight of a mysterious figure standing outside, continuously pressing the buzzer. Adding to the urgency, a police car appeared on one of the other screens.

   "What the hell are the police doing here?" Carissa questioned out loud to herself.

   Her mind raced with possibilities, but without hesitation, she knew she had to address the situation head-on. Carissa swiftly approached the front door, her hand firmly grasping the handle. With a deep breath, Carissa swung open the door, greeting the officer with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.