Polum Chill

We are not authorized to leave the station after dark under any circumstances.

In an emergency, do not call 911.

Call the number and do exactly what they say.

We draw straws to see who gets overnight shifts.

Why we need to stay overnight if we can't do anything is beyond me.

I asked the manager about it, and he just said the standard protocol is to have someone on hand to report any irregularities overnight.

I have to work my overnight shift.

I keep my phone close, the number dialed in, ready if I need to call.

It is a bad night.

I just wind up pacing around with my shotgun, glancing into the bright floodlights, trying to see what's past them.

I hear crickets, and that relaxes me.

Prey is quiet when predators are out.

It is a long night.

The next night, my manager draws a short straw.

He seems resigned.

In the end, we all have to take a turn.

He brings the brightest damn tactical flashlight I've ever seen.

Said he bought it just because he's afraid of the dark.

He isn't, really.

He's afraid of the things in the dark.