Mia slept like she hadn't in years, it was past midday when the twenty-five year old got out of bed, still her body was begging for more hours of rest, but, there she had things to get done, a life to continue.

Getting out of bed is her first goal took a little tries since her eyelids continues to shut maybe twice, when Mia was finally out of her comfortable bedding she wandered around her living room, the lunchbox and bags stood unpacked.

"Alright, cleaning it is." Mia sighed softly taking her stuff out and washing the tupperware. Time was on her side still, perhaps she could run some errands, or maybe call her Mom, she hadn't given her the news of her failed job and new one. Dreading and postpoining it Mia decided to do something else. Redecorate her house, and by redecorating meaning, moving her furniture around until it looks better.

Her home had been given to her by her parents, both leaving to move to a new city or town but as Mia stayed back to finish some college courses online she needed a place to stay, and instead of wanting to pay her rent, why not the family "jewel". It wasn't much, one floor home, two bedroom and one bathroom.

She started with the coffee table, scooting it aside with her knee. It scraped against the hardwood with a groan. Then came the armchair, dragging it until it sat by the window instead of across from it. "I should've done this weeks ago." She mutter to no one.

The couch was trickier, heavier. Mia could've asked for help, and by that she meant Mike, but that wouldn't be possible, so instead it took three awkward shoves and a break to catch her breath. With some more strong movements that she would feel the next morning, the couch was set on the opposite wall from where it used to be.

Her Mom had kept it on the wall next to the kitchen, she always said it was practical, so guests could sit close while she cooked. But Mia hadn't had guests in... a while. And she didn't cook.

She stepped back, hands on her hips, heart still beating fast. Living room looked better. Looking around she noticed a small polaroid frame from where the couch was, curious she kneeled to grab it and also straightened the rug.

The photo was from two years ago, it was her and Mike, it was from an Easter sunday, she remembers it, her mother had been the one to take the picture. The matching grey shirts, arms looped around each other, his face rested gently against hers, their bodies close. Smiling.

Her chest tightened. Mia sat down on the newly moved couch, photo in hand, legs heavy beneath her. She didn't cry, or smile as she stared at the photograph, back when things felt less complicated.

The house felt bigger now. Or maybe just quieter.

She set the Polaroid on the coffee table, face down. It didn't feel right to throw it away, but it didn't feel right to look at it either.

The hum of the fridge in the kitchen filled the silence. Somewhere outside, a lawnmower started up, its buzz low and steady like a memory she couldn't quite shake. "Mia, stop it. That was the past." She told herself, closing her eyes ignoring the memories flashing into her mind. "I need to get out."

Without hesitation she stood up, grabbed her car keys and headed outside, locking her home and her past behind. She had no idea on where exactly she was planning on going, so she just drove. The ride was loud, the music of The Cure blasted on each car door, anything to avoid her brain to think about her previous relationship with Mike.

Food. She needed food for tonight. Something quick to eat, nothing to cook and she didn't need another sandwich. Comfort food. Chinese food.

The Chinese cuisine had been her companion since she was a child, Saturday nights when her family were too lazy to cook something. The Chinese cuisine that accompanied her on late night studies at college, that would definitely bring her some happiness tonight.

Stopping on the Lucky Dragon, Mia already knew what she would order, two vegetables rolls, fried rice with egg, and chicken lo mein. The order since it couldn't be individual, she had to get it for two people, perhaps sharing it with Mike in case he didn't bring something for himself, or save it for the next day.

Driving back home Mia saw the sky getting darker, not because of a sunset or anything like that, instead, dark grey clouds were moving towards her, a loud thundering rumble followed along. Great. Just great. Mia didn't enjoy the rain that much, specially when she had to drive late at night, and it also meant she needed to search for a jacket.

She was late, well, only five minutes lates. But for Mia it felt like twenty minutes, and she had no idea of Mike was awake or already asleep on the desk and wouldn't be able to hear her. Mia didn't knock, she pounded hard on the main doors, she hugged her belongings tight making sure the least amount of rain could get into her bag and food.

"Open up, it's me!" Mia screamed out as she hit the doors again. It took a moment until Mike opened the doors, and Mia was a bit angry. "Please, please tell me you weren't sleeping already."

Mike closed the doors behind her. "No, just putting some things in the office, I thought you weren't going to come."

"I had to drive slow, I hate driving on the road with this rain."

"Yeah, I know. I thought about suggesting to drive you but things got a bit too complicated with Abby." Mike said, both of them heading back to the security room.

"Is everything okay with her?" The question was genuine, Mia adored Abby, she will always worry about her.

Mike looked at her, hesitant to say something, and that had Mia worried already. "Aunt Jane is threatening to take Abby into her custody. I cannot lose this job."

Mia stood quiet for a moment as she looked at Mike. She had met Aunt Jane a few times, terrible woman really. Kinda rude, self absorbed, and selfish. In other words Mia hated Aunt Jane and knew that Abby wouldn't be happy with her.

"Okay, is there anything else you could do? Anything I could do to help you?" Honestly Mia had no idea in what way she could help, but, being smart was helpful, she could manage to find a way to be useful.

Mike shook his head in response. "Just help me keep this job?"

"Understood." Mia smiled at him and looked at her bag with the Chinese takeout. "I brought food in case we get hungry, I know I am so I will eat something before I start."

Mike had thanked her for it but didn't eat anything, instead the brunette served herself and ate happily on the dining area from the pizzeria, she had cleaned one of the tables and sat there, looking around at the uneasy room. There was something off about it, maybe the lack of lighting? Or maybe how silent it was. Whatever it was, it made Mia finish up her food quickly and start to work. Walkman on, music loud enough to ignore her surroundings, Mike was still awake but she imagined that in any moment he would fall asleep.

Mia began her cleaning shores on the dining area, taking dust off from the various tables, avoiding the main stage, she knew that at some point of the night she would need to get onto that, but maybe the heavy duty would be for another night when Mike's awake.

She wiped the tables, the seating areas, moved chairs away and made space to sweep the floors, when that was done she headed to the cleaning room, carefully she got into her tiptoes and reach the string to light up the room. Turning around to one of the shelves Mia jumped on the stop, the small balloon boy figurine was there, watching her.

"God, you are a very creepy dude, sorry." She apologized to the toy, turning it around for it to face the wall. Her eyes scanned around, she needed the broom, a dustpan, and if she could do it, mop the dining area. "Where's the broom? It should be here." Mia bit the inside of her lower lip as she looked around, but no broom was in sight.

A loud bang was heard behind her, the brunette turned around noticing the door was closed. Had she closed it and didn't notice? Opening the door wasn't possible, something was locking it.

"Great, just great." She said, there was no lock on it, of course the door had to be pushed from the inside of the room. Pulling her headphones down Mia began shouting for Mike's name, banging the glass on the door, anything to make noise and get his attention.

When things couldn't get worse, the light inside the room began to flicker aggressively, suddenly the room felt smaller, the air thicker, the beating of Mia's heart was quicker, desperation began. Mia kept on screaming for Mike but there was no answer from him, she couldn't even see him outside, just the hallway.

If the light flickering was enough, from outside a loud screeching sound echoed from the speakers, Mia had to cover her ears, even if she was inside in a room, the high pitch ringing made its way to her ears. In a moment everything went dark outside before its lights were up and running again. Mike had to pull the brake down already. Which meant he was awake and would be able to hear her screaming and banging the door.

"Mike! I'm locked in." Mia screamed a few times, calling out his name until he was standing in front of the door and pulling away a broom and a box out of the way. She definitely didn't see the broom outside, and hell, why was there a box trapping her?

"What happened?" Mike asked, looking at her confused but only to walk away. "There's someone at the door."

Mia followed along, looking back at the box and broom, confused about it. Her heart was still racing against her chest, and her breathing began to slow down.

There was someone outside, had they seen everything that happened? Who knew, but whoever it was, it seemed they had been there for a while now. Mike opened the door greeted by a female voice telling him About time. Mia stood behind him curiously looking at the woman, clear and fair skin, and appeared to be a blonde.

"Starting to think maybe you fell asleep on the job." Mia had to swallow her laugh, if only she knew.

"Can I help you, officer?" Mia hadn't noticed the uniform, she was a police officer. Now curiosity spiked high.

"Please, my name's Vanessa." She said, her eyes followed to notice Mia standing behind Mike, finally, this minute had been long enough to not notice her presence. "And you two must be, the new security guard?" Mike answered her. "And you are?" That question was directed at Mia.

"Janitor, that's me." She said her lips pressed together into an awkward smile.

"Good to know." Vanessa said, her eyes falling again to Mike. "You're bleeding by the way." Following Vanessa's gaze Mia noticed that Mike's arm was cut, and not a little one, but a long wound. "Come on, I know where they keep the first aid kit.

So did Mia, she knew where it was, no need for Vanessa to help in that area, but who was she to deny a police officer the entrance. And also, the blonde just let herself in as she walked past both brunettes. Mia and Mike shared a confused look, shrugging her shoulders Mia looked at him, not knowing what to say or even do now. 

Why was there an officer here?