Jason Brooks

They were nothing but a blur under the water, moving back and forth until they came close.

Jason jumped back as a hand slammed against the membrane.

It looked human, but misshapen, not quite right.

Then the creature let out a scream.

It was a shriek of anger rather than terror, but it was the most frightening thing Jason had ever heard.

He ran from the room, nearly slipping on the wet tile.

His heart was still beating in his throat as he rushed down the hall and through the still empty lobby.

Warm light emanated from a room to the side, and he burst through the doors and into the breakfast area.

The tables were laid with plates and cutlery, the air smelled of freshly brewed coffee, and the counters were laden with food.

This would have been a welcoming sight had it not been the middle of the night.

But he hadn't had a proper meal in days, so Jason couldn't help but approach the buffet.

He needn't have bothered.

The cinnamon rolls that glistened with icing were styrofoam.

The fresh fruits that made his stomach rumble were plastic.

Even the coffee that permeated the air was nothing more than muddy water.

He stepped back with a huff of disappointment, not sure whether to be confused or angry.

Won't you join me?

Jason jumped at the gruff voice coming from the corner of the room.

He hadn't noticed the man sitting there.

He appeared to be in his mid-sixties, with a stern but kind face and a full head of graying hair.