https://pixabay.com/photos/hiring-recruitment-career-business-2575036/
Hi. So I wanted to take part of this writing challenge. The finished story was made in multiple parts of 5 minutes though. Plus the correction time.
My story revolves around a company called First Hire. Because that was my first thought at the prompt words and couldn't think of anything else.
It's entitled First Hire:
First Hire, the one company in town shrouded in mystery, with rumors circulating about strange happenings within its walls. Despite this, many still sought employment there, drawn by the promise of big payouts and even bigger opportunities. And so was Alex, a 20 years man who had recently came to the company in search of work. Excited for the chance to better his life, he eagerly set up an interview for the job.
As he entered the building, he was greeted by a man named Mr. Smith, the company's enigmatic CEO, a tall, thin man with a solemn look in his eyes. Mr. Smith gave him a cold, calculated smile and welcomed him. Alex was taken aback by the man's chilliness but pushed aside his discomfort, eager to prove himself.
They gathered in a dimly lit conference room. There was Sarah, already waiting, the company's team leader, a no-nonsense woman with a sharp tongue.
"So," said Smith, his voice low and steady, "tell us about yourself. Why do you want to work for us?"
"Well," said Alex, shifting nervously in his seat, "I've heard that your company is one of the best in the business. And I really need a job. I've been out of work for months, and I'm running out of options."
"I see," said Mr. Smith, his eyes never leaving Alex's face. "And what can you offer us in return?"
"I'm a hard worker," said Alex, "and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I'm a fast learner and I have a good work ethic."
"That's good," said Sarah, her tone cold and emotionless. "But we need more than that. We need someone who is dedicated, who is willing to do what it takes to succeed. Are you that person, Alex?"
"Yes," said Alex, a note of desperation creeping into his voice. "I am. I'll do anything."
There was a long silence, and then Mr Smith leaned forward, a sinister smile spreading across his face.
"Anything?" he said, his voice soft and dangerous.
And that was the first time Alex got a glimpse of why the rumors are circulating everywhere. But he was so desperate that he accepted.
First day at work, he was assigned to a team led by Sarah, who seemed to have a strange hold over her subordinates. Alex couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about her, but he told himself he was just being paranoid.
Days passed, and Alex noticed that his co-workers were becoming more and more strange, as if they were hiding something from him. He also began to experience odd occurrences like ghostly whispers in the halls next to him. That was the single room that he was not allowed to enter, next to his workplace. Curious still, he peeked inside one day but everything seemed just fine at first. The lights were on and the air was filled with the sound of shuffling papers and hushed whispers. Only the people were moving a bit abrupt with strange moves as if their body didn’t belong to themselves anymore.
Next day, Alex mustered up the courage to confront Sarah about his concerns. Sarah just chuckled, her eyes shining with a sinister gleam, "Don't worry, Alex. You're one of us now."
Terrified by everything, Alex fled the building, but as he looked back, he saw Sarah's reflection in the glass door. Her image was distorted, her eyes glowing red, and her mouth curved into a twisted grin.
From that day on, Alex never spoke of his experience. He was haunted by the memory of Sarah and the strange events that took place within those walls. Some say that First Hire was a front for a sinister organization, others say it some sort of dark cult. Regardless, those who entered its doors were never the same again.
Thank you so much for the read.