"Oi Arktos did you fix the bug yet?" my boss appeared out of nowhere behind me gripping my shoulders and peeking at my computer screen.
"Yes sir! There was an issue with the new updates. I altered the defects in coding and did a test run. Should be ready in a week for the public once I am done testing the extra features." I explained blinking slowly as I tried to manage my headache.
My headache was increasing rapidly, my eyes were red from too much staring at the screen and every part of me ached miserably.
I knew I looked horrible with the dark circles around my eyes and the messy hair. My clothes were old and my stomach gave up any hope on getting food anytime soon.
"Tch! A weeks too long! Get it done by today! Those damn competitors are gonna try to screw us up again if we don't get it done before them!" he said annoyed.
I frowned as I felt my head throb again in pain. I felt dizzy and weak, not remembering the last time I ate or slept. My hands felt numb from all the typing and were starting to show obvious cracks.
"T..today sir?" I asked weakly. If I kept going...I knew that I would collapse from exhaustion. I was just so tired from all the work given to me by the black company I worked at.
"Huh?! What? Are you saying you can't do it?" he growled at me menacingly.
"That's...not it sir! I...I just thought...completing it in one day was.." I flinched nervously trying to look away from his glare before he interrupted me.
"Arktos. I know you can do it. You are one of the best game developers we have. The company is relying on your skills again. You can do it for us can't you?" That annoying old man said patting me condescendingly on my shoulders like we were old pals.
"Yes sir...I can get it done by tonight." I sighed giving up on my plans to go back to my cramped, broken down apartment and get some sleep.
"Good. I knew I could rely on you! Now chop chop get to it already! I expect perfection and nothing less than it from you." Boss laughed haughtily as he left for his home.
I frowned as I glanced at my trembling hands that wouldn't stop shaking.
"Come on...just a bit longer. Then I can go sleep all I want...." I muttered to myself as I forced my hands to move.
"Arktos!" A cheery voice called out to me.
"Yes Andrew...What do you want?" I mumbled not looking away from my screen as I recognized my colleague by his voice.
"So I was supposed to file a report on sales for this year and send it today but I kinda forgot about it...My daughter is really sick so I was wondering if you could...." He asked me anxiously fiddling with his hands.
"Hmm maybe...will see..."I answered distractedly as I rechecked some features.
"I mean I have a family and all so you totally understand right? It's not like you have anyone to go back to right?"
"Yeah sure thing...I can do that when I am done with this." I muttered paying not much attention at him.
I just wanted him to go away so I could focus.
"Thanks man! I owe you one!" He said cheerfully as he scampered away quickly before I could change my mind.
It took a while to fully process what he said.
'It's not like you have anyone to go back to right?' The words echoed in my mind.
I felt a wave of sadness as I realized he was right.
I had no one.
I shook my head and kept working.
It was dark and cold in the office.
No. The room was warm... I just had a fever.
What was more unnerving was the silence and loneliness I felt as I worked alone while the others had all left for their homes long back.
There was no sound other than the clacking of my keyboard and the occasional shuffling of papers.
I kept on working like someone possessed and desperate. Losing track of time and forgetting my surroundings, I kept on pushing forward despite the resistance from my body.
I even managed to complete Andrew's report with my wobbly hands.
I grinned satisfied with my work as I shakily tried to stand up holding the edge of my work table.
I blinked in confusion as I noticed it was morning already.
Oh...so no rest again...more work to do...
The door barged open loudly and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
"Oh good! You are here! We have a client coming up soon! Go get them here and show them our products before they go to our competitors." Boss pushed me towards the elevator and threw a box filled with our games towards me.
I blinked slowly. Am I seeing double? Why are there two bosses and why is everything so hazy?
My legs felt weak and my throat was parched and dry...It felt scratchy and painful as I tried to speak.
Oh great! I forgot to eat or drink again and I have a fever too.
"I said go! Now! You better convince them to buy everything in that box!" He barked.
I shook my head and quickly scampered off towards the elevator.
I kept on walking unsteadily trying to make out my blurred surroundings.
I heard a screech of tires and saw a truck skid unsteadily on the road almost hitting a young school boy who was frozen in place and had his eyes wide open in horror.
I reacted out of pure instinct and before I knew it I rushed towards the child and pushed him away from the middle of the road falling down in his place.
Everything hurt so much...and I could barely breathe.
Was I hit by the truck?
Was the child okay?
I couldn't feel my hands or even move.
I opened my eyes desperately with strenuous efforts pleading the onlookers to go get some help.
The boy I saved rushed towards me trying to stop the bleeding with trmbling hands as he looked down at me with a pale horrified face.
People were screaming something...but I couldn't make the words out.
I was really tired and wanted nothing more than letting sleep overtake me.
I gave up to the pain and exhaustion as I looked into his pain filled eyes streaming down with tears.
"Please don't do this sir...I don't want you to die in my place...come on..come on...You can make it. I know you can...Please...sir" He pleaded desperately with a trembling voice as his tears fell down on top of me.
I smiled gently as I looked up at his fearful eyes, trying not to look down at the pool of blood gathered around me.
I knew it was over for me. I knew I should struggle to live...do my best to survive and fight the pain.
....But I was just so tired.
I gently held my blood covered hands in his with my last remaining strength and gave him a dazed smile.
"Thank you. Don't worry...not your fault....Is it alright if... Can I...."
I struggled to get my words out as I felt my eyes close. My body stopped struggling and just accepted death as it came to me, embracing it with wide open arms.
"Can I sleep now?" I whispered with my last breath as I closed my eyes and accepted the darkness that overtook me.
The pain was gone and my exhaustion went away.
I was at peace.
I could finally sleep again.