The Nightshift

I was forced to work far away for the sake of our expenses. We got so many bills to pay and I have to support my family by all means. I know it’s hard to be far from them but I have to endure it. I know it’s going to be worth it. Sacrifices doesn’t mean letting go, sacrifices mean giving all of yourselves even you have nothing to give.

I was hired in a big hospital as a janitress. At first, I do not want to accept this offer. I am a graduate student but I got no pride to keep. The pay here is better than the previous I applied before. They pay every janitors $2000 per day. This is a big opportunity for me. I can already help my family at the same time I can support my siblings in their college. I have to be practical in my choices and this is the reason why I didn’t say ‘No’ to the offer. Tonight I will be working as a janitress in this hospital.

“Are you miss Lonzaga?” The woman asks me.

“Yes I am.” I replied.

“Okay, your schedule will start at 8 pm and you can leave exactly at 1 am. Are you fine with that? You have to clean the floor in these hospital and disposed some garbage. That’s all your job.”

“Yes, I am very fine with that.” I said and smile. I don’t want to give her a bad impression.

“Okay, take this bracelet.” The woman handed me a bracelet with tiny beads.

“What is this for?” I asks.

“Just wear it. By the way, you are not allowed to enter room 201.” The woman replied.

“Alright. I keep it mind.”

“That’s good. I may now leave you, my family is already outside.”

“Oh sure. Keep safe always.” I said and smile.

I took the mop and started mopping the floor. For me it’s not tiring because I can rest for a few minutes and then start mopping again. Besides, I like quiet environment. No distractions, no people yelling at each other and most of all no stinky workmates who will only point out your mistakes. This job is definitely a dream job for me. I do not bother the white walls and the deafening silence if I know I have my peace of mind. I hear some sounds of heels not so far from where I am. I supposed to think it’s a doctor or a staff here. I didn’t pay attention to it. I hear the sound of the heels again. I was conscious about it but then again I don’t want to be bother.

Yesterday’s work in the hospital was fine, I was able to complete my task. I rented a dormitory near the hospital so I won’t be needing to pay for my fare. I sent my mother a message that within this week I will send them my salary. It’s nice to think that things are happening according to your will. In a few minutes, I have to prepare for my duty. I changed my clothes and I carried my to-go bag. I checked in for my attendance as I entered the hospital and grabbed my mop.

Mopping is tiring especially when you will see constant dirt but it’s fine. I can deal with this. While I was mopping, I saw a foot print leading into the dark side of the corner. I didn’t mind it. I just mop and followed the steps until I reached an abandoned room ‘201.’ I remember this is the woman told me not to enter so I turn my back and ignore it but I heard it someone humming. I feel the hairs at the back of my neck raising, who is humming?

“Is someone here?” I ask but nobody answered. I grip tightly my mop just in case someone is trying to play on me. The room 201 door suddenly open. I was really shock. I saw the inside of the room where a lot of empty hospital beds are there. It look so clean and organized. My curiosity entered my head. Why would a woman warned me not to enter there? Maybe she is thinking I am going to rob anything but no, I am not like that. I decided to enter the room. I know I am not allowed but I will only do it once and never again.

The room feels eerie. I feel so uncomfortable there, I turn back to exit but the door immediately shut. I feel terrified and the only thing I am holding is my mop. Never have in my life I experience something like this. It's really terrifying when you are alone. The lights suddenly shut down as well and I want to cry, scream and run but my body cannot move anymore. The only sound that can be heard is the fast beating of my heart.

"Would you wanna play me,"

I don't know what to do after I heard a voice of a little girl. This hospital is a creep. Now I have understand why the pay is higher. I regret not checking the hospital before entering. I want to die. I want to disappear from this horrifying place.

"Pl--ease st--ay away from--me."

I cannot speak properly as I am now getting colder and my knees are trembling. The mop I am holding fell from my hands. The lights return and what I saw is really horrifying. I cannot stand to see it. I feel my gut going to pop out. This is very unsightly. I saw a lot of different dead bodies on the bed. Some are deformed, some are pieces and some are full of syringe. I covered my mouth, I immediately ran to the closest door but I can't open it anymore. I regret my choice. I regret everything. Not all work are beautiful, some are nightmare. Never ever go for the salary, look for what kind of work you are dealing with.

November 16, 2022

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