Chapter 12: Fear of the Dark

Just as Annabel was preparing to leave, Nina called. "How long will you need to finish your task?"

"I'm done," Annabel replied.

"What? Did you double-check everything? Are you absolutely sure there are no mistakes?"

Nina was surprised by Annabel's quick completion.

"Yes, I'm certain. If you have nothing else, I'm going home," Annabel said impatiently.

"Wait! There's more. You can't leave yet!" Nina's voice suddenly rose.

"Why?" Annabel asked, pausing at the door.

"I just received a call. There's another document to input. I'm on my way with it. Just wait."

"Send it via email. I can't wait for you to come here now."

"No, it's complicated. You haven't done this type of work before. A mistake would be a serious problem. Wait for me! Why are you acting like a spoiled child? As an employee of this prestigious company, you should be prepared for overtime. I'm already home, but I'll come back to ensure everything is ready for tomorrow!"

"Oh, I see."

Annabel didn't suspect Nina of deliberately making things difficult, especially since it was late. While waiting, she listened to music and played games. Forty minutes passed, and Nina still hadn't arrived. Annabel used the ladies' room. After returning to her desk and playing games for another twenty minutes, Nina was still absent.

She called Nina. "Why haven't you arrived yet? I've been waiting over an hour!"

"I'm running late because of a taxi accident and terrible traffic. I'll be there in thirty minutes. What an unlucky day! They should have told me about this sooner. I can't believe I'm rushing to the office at this hour! Hey, driver, faster! I'm in a hurry!"

Annabel's headache worsened, her patience wearing thin. "Just hurry up!"

Unknown to Annabel, Nina was relaxing at home in a large T-shirt. After ending the call, she went to the bathroom. "What an idiot! Annabel will wait until the cows come home," Nina cackled, like an evil witch.

Another forty minutes passed, and Nina still didn't appear. Annabel's patience had completely run out.

She called Nina again. "Do you want me to spend the whole night here? Where are you?"

Nina, comfortably sprawled on the sofa with a face mask, replied, "Why are you so impatient? Do I enjoy being late? My hands are tied. Just wait. I'm very close. Ten minutes. Hey, hurry up. Can we get there in ten minutes? Yes, right? Well, I" The call ended abruptly.

Nina tossed her phone onto the sofa, grabbed a grape, and ate it leisurely.

It was then that Annabel grew suspicious. After a moment's thought, she texted someone, forwarding Nina's number: "Find out this number's location."

A response arrived five minutes later.

Annabel's blood ran cold as she read the text. Nina was in a residential area, and her location wasn't changing.

In a fit of rage, she slammed her fist on the table. "Damn it! How dare you play tricks on me, Nina? I've been too kind. How could I believe you were actually on your way?"

Annabel grabbed her bag and headed for the door, plotting her revenge. As she reached for the doorknob, the lights went out.

The office plunged into darkness.

Annabel jumped, looking around in terror. She slowly returned to her desk, retrieved her phone, and turned on the flashlight.

She had a severe fear of the dark since childhood.

Her heart pounded. Although she felt cold, her palms and forehead were sweaty.

Overwhelmed by fear, she crawled under the table, hugging herself with her chin on her knees. The flashlight provided minimal illumination.

What happened? Was the power out? How long will it take to be restored?

Shaking, Annabel tapped her phone, intending to call security, but realized she didn't have their number. Panic made her unable to think clearly.