When The Clock Strikes Midnight

I had just walked into the sh*t hole I had to call a job and was surprised to see my colleague, Jim, standing behind the register.

Jim glanced up at me as I was walking to the back to clock in.

He stopped me.

"Hey Stan the man-" He said in a friendly tone.

"Whatever you want the answer is no." I said unamused.

"Wait Wait, Just hear me out." He pleaded.

I sighed, "This better be the best excuse you've ever came up with Jim."

"Okay so I met this girl today at the mall and we kinda hit it off, I even got her number." He excitedly told me.

"Okay and what the f*ck does this have to do with me?" I said in a clearly aggravated tone.

He could tell I was losing patience so he cut right to the point.

"We have a date tonight at seven and I was wondering if maybe you could-"

I cut him off before he could say another word.

"Yes Jim I will cover your shift." I said in annoyance.

"Yes! Thank you Stan you are truly-"

"But, this is the last time I cover for you. Got it?" I say while gripping his collar.

"You're the boss." He says while smiling nervously.

I let him go and he walked out leaving me to tend his work chores.

"This is gonna be a long night." I thought to myself.

As much as I didn't want to admit it I was scared to work this late at night.

Especially now since I have double the work, I won't be getting home until at least one in the morning.

You see, due to the recent disappearances and murders in my town, there was lots of rumors. Some even go as far as alien abductions.

There was even this rumor that when the clock struck midnight, there would be these "Alters" that would visit you and tell you when you will die.

These "Alters" would either look like a f*cked version of you or even a dead family member or close friend.

But I didn't believe in any of that sh*t.

Obviously it was just a tale to make sure kids wouldn't sneak out or stay out past curfew.

Right?