Chapter Text
Today was like any other typical work-day for Pim, the same old routine that consists of waking up, getting dressed with a smile, and being the first of his Co-workers to arrive at work.
Pim made his way into the all too familiar office, only to realize that Mr. Boss had arrived earlier than him, he didn’t think too deeply of it though. After preparing a brew, he took a moment to settle in, and decided to pour himself a cup of the fresh hot coffee.
He then sat down at his usual seat around the table, then grabbed the remote and switched the TV on.
An hour had passed before anyone else arrived, and he utilized this time to collect his thoughts. He was always the first to arrive at the office for a reason, his reason being how much he hated being alone at his apartment, so he avoided staying there if he could help it.
Sure, none of his Co-workers were here as early as him, but he still felt less lonely here, especially when he could catch up with Mr. Boss if he had free time before work hours. Pim was stuck in his thoughts for longer than usual, not noticing that Alan and Glep had arrived already. Soon following, Charlie. Charlie greeted Pim in his usual congested voice, but Pim did not respond.
Charlie exchanged looks with Alan, who had shrugged in response. This broke Pim out of his thoughts, and he greeted his co-workers in his usual peppy tone.
“Hellooo Charlie!! Hello Glep! Good Morning Alan!!” He blurted out.
“Oh hey man.” Charlie responded.
“Go-od Mor-Ning Pim.” Alan replied, and Glep didn’t respond, due to him having a headset way too big for his head on.
“You uh- You spaced out for a little there man.” Charlie added casually.
“Oh yeah!- I was just uh, planning what we should do on this lovely day! That's all!” Pim chuckled awkwardly. It was clearly a lie, but nobody decided to question it, because it wasn’t far off from something that Pim would do.
“Oh. Speak-ing of which. We are go-ing to the bar af-ter work.” Alan stated in his punctual voice.
Without second thoughts, Pim accepted the invitation. Pim now had an event to look forward to after work! Hanging out with his best buddies!
“Great then. I’ll pick you up by se-ven.” Alan added.
Pim smiled, but his happy demeanor didn’t last long when he processed where exactly they were going. A bar..? Pim was conflicted, his stomach dropping at those words. Something that not even his friends closest to him had known, was that Pim used to be an alcoholic.
Not to mention, he was infamous for how he acted when he got drunk back in college…
The only two who knew this side of Pim was his college friend Bill, who is now deceased, along with Mr. Boss, who's trusted enough to Pim.
That's how he joined The Smiling Friends in the first place.
Back then, he was fired from his job in childcare, during that time period he was at his lowest, and Mr. Boss was the one to lift him up, and offer him purpose in life.
He didn’t know what he’d do if it hadn’t been Mr. Boss who found him. Pim snapped back to reality, and shuffled in his seat uncomfortably, only Charlie had taken notice of this, but didn’t mention it, so he thought he’d bring it up when the two were alone.
The lights flickered, and out of nowhere, Mr. Boss stood eerily in the doorway as if it were nothing.
“Hello Boys!” He grinned, “I have a Job for you two!” His fingers unnaturally pointing at Pim and Charlie.
“Great, Who needs cheering up today, Mr. Boss?” Pim questioned, still catching his breath from the sudden apparition.
Mr. Boss casually pulled out a large file from his tuxedo, then held it out, “A young man who goes by many names,” His voice switching to a lower tone, “usually Prisimitishistimo Frederico Jr the IIIrd though!” He says as his voice returns to its friendly trustable tone again. “He says he’s been pretty lonely, needs people to help him feel better.” Mr. Boss adds
.
As Pim began to reach for the file, Mr. Boss snatched it back, “But wait.. A warning boys.. Be careful in that town.. It’s pretty well known for crime…” His voice laced in a southern draw.
Pim and Charlie looked to each-other, warnings like these had since lost their effect, after everything the two had been through. Pim nodded, then took the file from Mr. Boss, then the two critters made their way to the car.
The drive was around an hour long, but it felt much longer, and overwhelming silence filled the atmosphere. Pim was once again, stuck in his thoughts, staring out the window of the passenger's side.
He kept thinking about what he’d do when he arrived at the bar after work. Why couldn’t he just stay home, what would he do if the others made him drink.. And what seemed to worry him the most was what would the others think if they saw him when he was drunk.
He got so caught up in his thoughts, he didn’t hear Charlie’s failed attempts to start a conversation. When he noticed, he felt guilty, he was about to say something, but before he could speak, Charlie commented,
“Looks like this is the place, huh.”
The complex stood out from the rest of the town, sure, it looked average, but the rest of the town was dirty, full of litter, and old buildings with broken or boarded up windows.
They had arrived at their destination.