Chapter Text
One day while working at the pizzeria, William finally had time to relax after weeks of late nights. He’d been watching the animatronics carefully, making sure they didn’t glitch or break down. This was his third week of staying late, locking himself inside the pizzeria until it was time to go home or the kids arrived for the next day.
Tonight, though, something felt off. The quiet hum of the machinery was louder than usual, pressing at the edges of his thoughts. He rubbed at his eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue, but the room seemed to tilt slightly. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d eaten or slept properly.
He reached for his phone with a trembling hand and called Henry.
“Henry… can you come to the pizzeria?” he mumbled. “I don’t think I can drive myself home, and I don’t really want to be alone right now. Use the key I gave you.”
Henry didn’t hesitate. “I’m on my way, Will. Just stay where you are.”
It wasn’t long before the sound of a car door echoed outside. The pizzeria’s front door creaked open, and Henry’s voice filled the empty dining room.
“William? William, where are you?”
“Henry, not so loud,” William hissed from the shadows.
Henry jumped and turned toward the sound. “Will—don’t scare me like that.”
When he finally spotted William, he froze. William sat on the floor near one of the animatronic stages, knees pulled to his chest. His tie was loosened, his eyes glassy. There was something strange about the way he looked—confused, small, and lost.
“Will?” Henry said softly, crouching down beside him.
William’s lip trembled. “I don’t… I don’t feel good.” His voice had taken on a softer, higher tone—almost like a child’s. “I don’t wanna work anymore. Can we go home?”
Henry’s worry deepened. “Yeah, buddy. We can go home. Let’s just get you up, alright?”
But William didn’t move. He blinked up at Henry, eyes shiny with tears. “You promise you won’t leave me?”
Henry’s heart ached. He gently placed a hand on William’s shoulder. “I promise, Will. I’m right here.”
William leaned against him, clutching Henry’s sleeve like a frightened kid. The pizzeria lights buzzed overhead as Henry helped him to his feet, whispering quiet reassurances.
Outside, under the glow of the parking lot lights, Henry glanced down at William—his friend, now looking years younger in his mannerisms and voice—and silently promised to take care of him.