Alex sat at his desk, his stomach growling loudly in the oppressive silence. The pale glow of his computer screen reflected off his tired eyes as he rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the night shift. He glanced at his smartwatch—midnight. It was time to find some food.
"I can't survive this night without something to eat," he muttered to himself, pushing away from his desk.
Alex walked cautiously down the corridor, the soles of his worn-out sneakers squeaking against the linoleum floor. He fumbled with his phone, its light a beacon in the dimness, casting long shadows that danced along the walls. As he moved, a strange sensation crept over him—his skin tingled, and a wave of nausea rolled through his stomach.
"Just keep going," he whispered, trying to shake off the unease.
As Alex reached the break room, he hesitated. The air felt different here, thicker, as if charged with static. He could almost swear he heard whispers, soft and unintelligible, echoing in the corners. Shaking his head, he approached the vending machine, only to freeze as a shadow detached itself from the wall, forming into a monstrous silhouette.
"What the...?" he breathed, stumbling backward as the creature lunged.
Alex ran, heart pounding in his chest, the creature's growls echoing in his ears. Each turn seemed to lead him deeper into the building's heart, where the walls closed in, and the lights flickered ominously. He felt the sickness intensify, a cold sweat breaking out on his brow as he pushed himself to keep moving.
"I have to find Room 365," he gasped, hoping it might offer some refuge.
Alex burst into Room 365, slamming the door shut behind him. He leaned against it, gasping for breath, eyes scanning the room. The walls were adorned with strange symbols, glowing faintly in the soothing blue light. In the center of the room stood a figure, ethereal and shimmering with stars.
"Who are you?" Alex demanded, his voice shaky.
The figure smiled, its presence radiating warmth and understanding. "This is all an illusion, Alex," it said, its voice like a gentle breeze. "The office, the monsters, your sickness, your needs and hunger- it's all a construct of your imagination." Alex blinked, confusion and relief washing over him. "So none of this is real?" The figure nodded, the room beginning to fade around them. "But remember, Alex, sometimes the mind creates what the heart fears most." As the world dissolved into stardust, Alex felt himself slipping away, the figure's final words echoing in his mind. "You're not alone, and it's time to wake up."
