"What could go wrong?" Famous last words that Michael said before he annoyingly dragged you into drinking with him. Drinking on the most dangerous job? Brilliant idea. Intoxicated out of your minds, you found yourselves bickering and laughing together like carefree schoolkids, the tension of the night momentarily forgotten amidst the haze of alcohol-induced euphoria. Forgotten were the animatronics that lurked in the shadows, forgotten were the dangers that loomed in the darkness.

But as the sound of metallic clattering echoed from the hallway outside, the laughter ceased abruptly, replaced by a tense silence that hung heavy in the air. Both you and Michael froze in place, the mirth draining from your faces as a sense of apprehension settled over you. "Hey, did you hear something?" Michael's words slurred together, his gaze darting towards the door with nervousness. It was as if reality had come crashing back in a sudden rush, reminding you both that you were in Part and Service room of the Circus Baby's Entertainment and Rentals. Great. ‎ Determined to act despite his inebriated state, Michael clumsily attempted to rise from his chair, his movements unsteady and uncoordinated. However, a stray box full of animatronic parts sent him stumbling, and he nearly crashed into the ground. Smooth, Michael. Real smooth. As he heard you trying to stifle a laugh, he shot you a glare, though the goofy grin on his face betrayed the seriousness of his words. "Shut up. You stay here, I got this," he said, and with a half-hearted attempt to sober up, he wiped his face with his hand. But the telltale sway of his body as he dragged his feet towards the door told you there was little chance of him sobering up anytime soon.