[Nell]: 226.Stories.Shorts.The Sacrifice

Another day in the jungles of steel. I took a swig of coffee. The elevator stopped suddenly, and I was covered with scalding liquid.

"Great!" I muttered, picking at my burning suite. "It's going to be one of those days!"

I glanced at my watch. Late for the meeting! I ran down the hall and yanked open the office door. I paused.

The walls were hung with shredded paper. Strange stickmen were dabbed in ink across the cubicle walls. An office prank? I shrugged, and wove my way towards the boardroom.

"Hey guys, what's with all the-"

"The sacrifice has come!" someone screamed. People reached out and grabbed my arms, hauling me through the doorway.

"What the hell is going on here?" I shouted as I was dragged onto the boardroom table. My co-workers held my arms and legs down. My boss leaned over me, his shirt sleeves rolled up, and a mad glint in his eyes.

"Oh Mighty God of Money! We deliver you this sacrifice!" Mr. Koulden intoned. He raised the company pen over his head like a sacrificial knife. I screamed in terror.

The door burst open, and the people from the rival business upstairs came pouring in. They were armed with office implements. I was abandoned as my co-workers turned to defend themselves. I sat up in shock, and stared at the chaos raging all around.

Suddenly my instincts kicked in; I dove for the door, struggling desperately to escape. Finally free, I dashed away from the office, down the stairs, and out of the building.

There was madness everywhere! People were fighting everywhere. Cars were abandoned or smashed into each other. The air was filled with tribal screams.

Something struck my neck. I reached up.

A tack?!?

The world tipped sideways, and I blacked out.