Peculiar Society

Your life was the epitome of bland. You had a cozy desk job with a nameplate emblazoned, "Parker, Lead Sales." You went to work, collected your salary as a direct deposit weekly, and then went home to the one and only woman you've ever loved, Alex. You met and started dating in high school and lost your virginity to each other. You had a pleasant wedding at the church her parents went to, though you two aren't particularly religious. You had your honeymoon at a bed and breakfast out in the countryside, and so far, you have no kids. While you made your way up the sales ladder, Alex made money as an event planner. While she was wanting to mainly do weddings, most of her business is planning corporate events. Nothing too exciting ever happened, but at the same time you hadn't run into any major troubles throughout your lives.

As you and Alex watch another movie cuddle together on the couch, suddenly the building starts to shake violently, and a bizarre whining sound reverberates through the room. A few pictures fell from the wall before the quake settled. You were startled, so you got up and looked out the window. Down on the busy street, the night car traffic and pedestrians continued as usual, as if nothing had even happened. You go across the hall and knock on your neighbor's apartment door. Rather than Ladonna, the young college student who moved in last week, an older man apparently in his 50s or 60s answered the door. You didn't recognize him, but he addressed you by name.

"Hello Parker, everything alright?" He asked. You worried a little but noticed that the number on his door had a nameplate underneath that said, "Roger Burns."

You looked back at him, "Hi... uh... Roger. Did you feel that quake?" You asked the stranger.

He scratched his head, "What quake? You okay Parker?" He asked in a concerned tone.

You nod, "Yeah, I think maybe I just had a bad dream. Fell asleep watching a movie with Alex." You chuckle it off.

Roger smiles, relaxing his shoulders, "Well good. You had me worried there, bud. Getting a little late, make sure you get plenty of rest for work tomorrow. I know you've been excited about the new position." He pats your shoulder before retreating back into his apartment. You go back inside and find Alex a bit shaken.

She looks at you, "What happened?" You shake your head.

"I'm not entirely sure. The neighbor girl isn't there anymore, it's a guy named Roger Burns. Apparently he knows us." You shrug, "And I guess I start a new position at work tomorrow. I'm very confused. He said he didn't feel a quake."

Alex sighs, "It'll be okay babe. I think we're just overthinking things. Maybe that is Roger's apartment. It's not like we talk to a lot of people in the building." The two of you continue to rationalize and calm down before heading to bed. You have an uneasy feeling, but it's probably nothing, you thought to yourself.