THE SUNLIGHT SHONE outside the window, making the brunette stir in bed as she moved away from the brightness. Sweat clung to her forehead, though the morning was cool. 

Her heart raced, her mind still clutching at the fading fragments of her dream. The flicker between shadow and reality echoed faintly in her head and the glowing eyes that pierced through like twin suns felt too vivid that made her groan and burry her face into the pillow.

Just a dream, she told herself. A really, really weird one. But before she could slip back into sleep, her bed jolted violently.

"GET YOUR ASS UP!"

Sally was standing over her, shaking her awake with enough force to rattle the mattress.

"What the hell-" Hailee mumbled.

"There, finally got you speaking now that's the first step. Next one is shower and dress." She heard her friend groan in response. "Come on! Your scheduled to film back at the set, you on the clock."

"It's not even 8." Hailee argued, leaning her head back into the pillow.

"Haiz...it is 8." 

At that moment, the girl's eyes opened wide as she remembered that today was her day for filming on set. She looked over at her phone to check the time: 8:45am

"Shit. Shit. SHIT!" The young woman scurried out of the room. Only moments later after quickly doing her morning routine that she was trying to find something to wear, the least hardest part in her 'all-over-the-place-ness'.

After a few minutes of looking around, she finally settled on a white shirt, black blazer and black pants. She grabbed a long sage coat just encase it gets cold throughout the day and her bag when her phone started to vibrate.

She turned her phone on to see that it was her dad. Probably wanting to check in and see how she was right now.

"Hey dad!" she said while sounding as awake as possible. "What's up?"

"Hey sweetheart." Roman spoke through the phone. "Just wanted to wish you morning. How's filming in Surrey?"

The brunette let out a shy chuckle as she slapped a watch on her wrist. "Uh, filming's been going great actually. Good news is that this is the last set before we're going to be wrapped up. Hopefully by next week."

"That's great Hailee!" She heard her father cheer from his end. "How about you? How have you been?" 

"I'm fine," she replied with a smile as she headed out of the room. "Just the same old routine every day. There was this one line that I had to say with one of my co-stars. I can't say it, but I do hope they add that in the film."

Roman chuckled. "Oh, I see. So, you're having the time of your life there, huh?"

"Well yeah, the cast's nice. And the crew were so much helpful so far and the filming ending pretty well despite the weather." 

Hailee continued talking with her dad as she walked towards the kitchen. The actress grabbing two granola bars while Sally handed her a cup of coffee.

 "What about you? You, okay?" Hailee asked.

"I'm fine, don't worry." Roman answered with a chuckle.

Hailee frowned. She recognized that tired chuckle. He wasn't fine at all and not the good kind of tired either.

"Are you sure dad? You don't sound like yourself. Is everything okay?"

"Well, if I'm honest, not really." The man let out a sigh as he spoke. "I've had a lot on my mind lately."

"Anything I can help with?" Hailee asked, concern filling her voice.

"Appreciate the concern but no. You don't need to be troubled by this. We'll talk more once you come back from filming if you want, okay?"

"Okay, that's fine." Hailee nodded before Sally chimed in.

"Hi, Mr. Steinfeld!" Sally said before walking over to the island table and grabbing her cup.

"Oh hi, Sally. How are you?" Her father responded as Hailee put her phone through speaker so that her friend can hear him.

"I'm good. Took some pictures around for the news back at LA. Your daughter's making that whole set her bitch so far."

"Hey!" Hailee slapped her friends' shoulder. "Not in front of my dad." she then turned back to the phone. "We gotta go now but I'll try and see if I can call you later tonight."

"Alright, good luck Hailee. Love you."

"Love you too."

"Bye, Mr. Steinfeld!" Sally waved as Hailee hung up the phone.

Sally leaned against the counter, sipping her coffee.  "So, what's the plan today? Another breakout scene with Nadine or just standing there looking pretty?"

Hailee shook her head while she grabbed her keys. "Just gonna be a few scenes with Woody and Haley. It's just gonna be until hopefully by the end of November that filming will be wrapped up."

Acting wasn't something Hailee had planned to do with her life—not originally. She'd fallen into it since she was a kid when she performed in a few short films. Then one thing led to another, and before she knew it, she was signing her first contract, showing up on sets, and navigating an industry she'd never thought she'd be part of.

Now, she was acting for a film named Edge of Seventeen, which had her working alongside Woody Harrelson and Haley Lu Richardson, who oddly looked quite similar to her friend beside her. They were on their last place to set for a couple of months before filming gets wrapped up.

"That's great," Sally nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "Afterwards we can go to this new club in town that they've just opened back home. And we'll probably end the night with a little something~" she smirked.

"Maybe after the whole wrap-up and the awards." Hailee told her as she grabbed her bag and keys.

"Oh, right. Yeah."

"Come on, I'm gonna be late."

Hailee opened the door after she checked her phone one last time to make sure she hadn't missed any messages from the set. Sally followed behind with her coffee in hand as they walked toward the elevator.

"So, you think you'll finally get that big award this year? You know, the one that solidifies your status as Hollywood royalty?" Sally began, glancing sideways.

Hailee laughed lightly, pressing the elevator button. "I'm not holding my breath. I'm just focused on getting through these last scenes without embarrassing myself."

"Well, don't worry. You won't embarrass yourself. You did good so far."

Hailee brushed off with a laugh then smiled at her friend appreciatively. The elevator arrived and they got in, the doors closing behind them.

"Let's be real. If there's an award for 'Best On-Set Meltdown,' you've got that one in the bag," Sally teased.

Hailee glared at her, though a smile tugged at her lips. "I'll have you know I'm a professional. And if anyone's had meltdowns, it's you. Ms. 'throwing shit across the room'."

"That was a long time ago. And besides, I had a good reason. My partner was being a total asshole."

Hailee rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."

"And yet, here I am," Sally said with a grin. "Your ride-or-die chaos companion."

"Touché."

When the elevator doors opened, they stepped out into the lobby, where the morning hustle was already in full swing. People hurried past, balancing coffees and phones, while the doorman offered them a polite nod.

Outside, the morning cold air hit them, and Hailee instinctively hugged her coat closer. The car Sally had insisted they carpool in was parked nearby. As they approached, Hailee tossed Sally the keys.

"Your turn to drive." she said casually.

Sally caught the keys mid-air, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, now you trust me behind the wheel?"

"Only because I need my hands free to finish this coffee," Hailee retorted, climbing into the passenger seat. "And because if we're late, I can blame it on you."

"Of course you can." Sally muttered, sliding into the driver's seat and starting the engine. She took a second to adjust the mirrors and then backed out of the space.

"How'd you sleep, by the way?"

Hailee glanced over, biting her lips. Sally's started to notice that she's been having some on and off dreams lately. It all started since New Years, and she couldn't pin why though.

"Not great, but better than usual." Hailee answered.

"You sure you're alright? You had a few nightmares last night, I noticed."

Hailee's jaw clenched immediately shaking her head. "It's nothing. Just a simple dream, that's all."

"It didn't sound like just a simple dream," Sally said pointedly.

"Can we not do this, please?" Hailee begged. "We've got a long day ahead of us and the last thing I need is more drama."

"Fine, whatever. I'm just looking out for you, but if you're going to be like that..." Sally brushed out her hands. "Also, Barry called earlier. Wanted to wish you good luck."

Hailee frowned slightly at the mention of her boyfriend, her gut already bracing for whatever half-hearted excuse might follow.

"What? He couldn't tell me himself?" she glanced, snorting softly.

Sally shrugged with exaggerated nonchalance. "Apparently not. Said he's busy in the studio working on his next big hit or whatever. 'Sorry I can't call, but I'll swing by for dinner'" she added, mimicking his tone in a way that made Hailee roll her eyes.

"I know that voice," Hailee said knowingly.

"As if." Sally replied.

"Sally." Hailee tried.

"Haiz, he's a total loser, okay? And, honestly, the last thing you need is some dude who's too busy with his music career to even pay attention to you. Especially when it's been weeks since you've seen each other. Don't you think?"

"Look he's busy. That's just it and so am I." Hailee replied with a shrug. "So, it's fine."

"If you say so." Sally turned away, her mouth set in a hard line.

A tense silence settled between them as Hailee drove the rest of the way. She knew Sally never fully warmed to Barry, no matter how sweet or supportive he tried to be. Her best friend always thought he was holding something back — like there was some ulterior motive Hailee couldn't see.

Sally's skepticism wasn't surprising. She'd been trying to nudge Hailee back into the dating pool for years, convinced there was someone out there better suited for her. And sure, Hailee missed the butterflies and the thrill of possibility. But it was the aftermath that always got to her. Not that any of that stopped Sally from playing her self-proclaimed role as Hailee's unofficial wingman.

Whether it was pointing out cute guys at a coffee shop or dramatically hyping up her nonexistent "chemistry" with random coworkers. Most of the time, it was just teasing. But every so often, Hailee could tell Sally genuinely believed she deserved better.

Barry was nice. Yet Sally always believed that there was something more out there.

For a time however, perhaps she was right... or maybe she should stop watching rom-coms.

"Anyways," her best friend continued, "Barry will drop by after work today."

Turning on her tune, Hailee listened into the radio while she was in traffic. Her phone then vibrates. Seeing as she was not going to get out of traffic in a while, there wasn't any harm in texting.

Leeyum 💜:
Hey, babe! Just wanted to wish you luck on your meeting and also wanted to know if you wanted to hang out once your back in town?

Haiz:
Thanks, Liam! And yes! We can hang out soon when I get back. I just need to talk with Sal. U down for break time??

Leeyum 💜:
Sure!

After she stopped texting, Hailee told Sally about the appointed group message before she focused back on the ongoing traffic again. She was hoping that it was gonna be scene 6 and 12, maybe scene 8. Hopefully not the latter. Suddenly she had an abrupt thought.

"Hey so, what's the plan for the night?" Hailee asked Sally.

"Top of my head, I'm gonna get some wine and maybe some pizza or Chinese takeout."

Hailee shrugged. "Alright, sounds good."

A few minutes went by and they were able to take a little detour through the freeway. No less than a half hour later, they were finally there and were immediately greeted by some crew members that were already on set.

"Morning, Hailee!" A crew member greeted her.

"Hi, how are you? Where's everyone at?"

"Oh, uh, we're on set 5. They're currently doing a scene. I'll go and get Mr. Wilson and let him know you're here."

"Thanks, that would be great."

Hailee and Sally stood waiting near the entrance while the crew member walked off.

• • •

HOURS TOOK UNTIL the director finally yelled 'Cut' and dismissed everyone for the day.

The filming went rather well but then again, when does it not? A bunch of lines on script said with a little banter between her co-stars, most of the time however Hailee spent in her RV getting ready for the scenes she was filming. Either way, it was a job well done for the actress.

The moment the director called it a day; Hailee walked towards the RV and quickly grabbed her phone. She checked for a few notifications as she waited for the crew member.

"So, how'd it go?" Sally asked.

"It was good. Got my lines and the scenes right. No problem." Hailee smiled. "Anyway, standing around made me hungry. Lunch break?"

Sally let out a breath of relief then laughed. "Yes, please."

Hailee took a moment to look at her schedule, making sure that there aren't any other engagements as she normally has before they drove over to a nearby Starbucks shop.

The girls settled down at their seats after ordering their own drinks. After placing their orders, Hailee pulled her phone and tapped Liam's contact.

As the line rang twice until Liam's face popped up on the screen.

"Well, well. Look who decided to call instead of texting for once," Liam teased, leaning closer to her phone. "What's up, Gals?"

She gave her friend a warm smile, relaxing into her chair. "Not much, just taking a break before heading to set."

"How's Columbia!"

"It's cold." Sally simply said. "I couldn't even give you a poem."

"Don't need one. Hailee though..."

"Hey!" The brunette lightly pouted as her friends laughed.

"So, what are you doing, anyway?" Sally asked Liam.

"Just a quick rehearsal with the band before we head to the studio to record the new album. How's the film? Did you finish shooting yet?"

"We're close to finally wrapping stuff up actually." Hailee answered, taking a sip of her coffee. "Just a couple more days, and we're out of here."

"Cool. I hope everything goes well."

"It's going something alright." Hailee chuckled in thought. "We're almost done though, so fingers crossed nothing crazy happens last minute."

"Knowing your luck? Something's bound to come up." Liam teased.

"Very funny," Hailee rolled her eyes dramatically.

"I'm just saying, I'm just saying." Liam raised her hands up, leaning back on what looked like a couch in a cluttered rehearsal room.

Their girls heard their names called and Sally walked over to the counter to get their order. A little while later, Hailee took notice that the cafe became a bit crowded and even sensed someone sit beside her. Not directly at least but she didn't take notice.

"So, what's next after this film wraps up?" Liam asked.

"Probably some press junkets, a few interviews. The usual stuff," Hailee replied. "But first, I'm planning to actually sleep for more than four hours a night."

"A noble goal," Liam said, raising an imaginary glass. Her voice then started to shift slightly. "Oh, by the way, I wanted to tell you something."

"Mm?"

"So I was out with my gang yesterday and apparently one of my work buddies overheard some talks about this weird festival thing happening next year, something about stars aligning or whatever."

"Okay. What does that have to do with anything?"

"Well, I heard they were listing some names, and he told me that he heard them say your name."

"Uhhh...uh huh." Hailee wasn't sure how to respond. She did expect that as soon as she was done with this film, she would be asked to do another. That's usually how this goes with this type of life.

"It's probably nothing. Just a rumor. You know how these things go." Liam concluded.

Hailee felt mixed hearing this though for some reason them apparently wanting her sent a shiver down her spine. For what reasons, she could not find. Still though, she offered a reassuring smile.

"Well, if it's anything important, my agent will let me know. No news is good news, right?"

"Right," Liam said, though her tone was light. Before either could say more, Sally returned to their table, balancing their drinks and food with the practiced grace of someone used to multitasking.

 She set down Hailee's usual vanilla almond latte with a drizzle of caramel and her own pumpkin spice latte alongside a ham and Swiss sandwich.

"Saved you from the temptation of scones," Sally teased as she took her seat.

"Heroic of you," Hailee replied, taking a grateful sip of her drink.

Minutes go by and they were just chatting about their day. Liam was talking about how she noticed a styled graffiti near her neighborhood when suddenly the girls heard a spill that got onto their table.

"GAH! What are you doing?!" they heard a high-pitched voice shout. He seemed to have some american-english accent.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" one of the barista's shouted.

Hailee turned her head to the noise, and she saw that they were apologizing to the person that's been sitting across her and Sally.

"Like come on! Really?? This is the second time! The second time!" He exclaimed, glancing at the barista. "Do I have a sign on my forehead or something?"

"Seriously, sir! I'm sorry!" the barista pleaded, trying to use napkins to wipe the liquid that spilled from the cup.

Hailee saw how the young man looked to be probably in his late teens or early 20s. His clothing was the kind of outfit that seemed deliberately out of place. Almost a sense of wackiness and a more alienated style. 

Then again now it's more so completely even more out of place thanks to the spilt coffee.

The young man looked at the barista. While he was upset, he didn't appear to be angry at her. "Stop it. You're fine. Just...just go okay. You don't need to stress."

The barista, a little red and embarrassed, nodded before walking away. Leaving only him and the girls.

"That looks like it's not gonna go out in the wash anytime soon." Sally called out.

The young man finally looked up; his expression confused before a flicker of recognition flashed across his face.

"Uh, yes. Oh erm..." he stumbled and paused. "Yes. I have a meeting with someone, someone VERY important. And this was my second cup today."

"What happened to the first?" Hailee asked curiously.

"Long story short, it ended up on my pants. This was an improvement." He deadpanned, looked down at his stained tweed jacket.

Sally tried and failed not to laugh at the man's misfortune. Hailee however glanced at Sally before offering removing her coat.

"Here. I'm not planning on using it anymore, so you can keep it for a bit." She offered. There was an odd puff in her chest, though she wasn't sure why.

The man looked hesitant and frowned. "Oh no, uh, I don't want to trouble you like that."

"Believe me, you need it more than I do." She smiled at him and brought the coat closer to him. "Sides, it looks good. You know with the bowtie."

"Thank you, bowties are cool." He responded, his cheeks slightly turning pink. Hailee laughed as he gives up and takes the coat. For a second, Hailee felt an odd jolt, like déjà vu or a strange sense of recognition. 

As he settled into the coat, he seemed to relax slightly, though his eyes kept darting between Hailee and Sally, as if he wanted to say more but wasn't sure how.

"So," Sally leaned forward with a smirk. "Do you always dress like you're auditioning for a professor role, or is this a special occasion?"

He blinked at her, then smiled faintly. "Ah, well. Like I said, I'm meeting with someone and well we're sort of on an active watch duty. Can't say though. Very classified."

"You work for the police?" Sally asked, a slight edge to her voice.

"Something like that."

"Where are you from?" Hailee asked, curious.

"Oh, here and there," he replied cryptically, waving a hand. "Now and then, you could say. I tend to travel quite a bit. Some say it adds to the charm."

Sally snorted. "I don't know about charm."

The young man chuckled; his laughter light but distant as if his mind was elsewhere. Then his expression softened as he looked at Hailee. 

"You know not many people would offer their coat to a stranger. Let alone wearing a bowtie. Kind one indeed."

Hailee shrugged, brushing off the compliment. "It's just a coat."

"Ah yes. A coat." he said thoughtfully.

Hailee felt her body suddenly shift, that strange sense of familiarity tugging at her again. 

"Have we met before?" she asked before she could stop herself. "You seem... I don't know. Familiar."

He paused, his smile faltering for the briefest moment before it returned, smaller this time. "No, nah. Of course not. I don't believe we've met."

Before she could respond, another barista's voice cut through the air. "Grande Caramel Macchiato for a... Doctor Song?"

"Ah, that's me!" He exclaimed before turning to Hailee and Sally. "Well, ladies, it's been lovely. But I've got to run. Important meeting, as I said. Can't keep Craig waiting."

"Craig?"

"My friend- or partner. Uh, bye!"

His eyes lingered on Hailee for a moment longer than necessary, as though there was something he wanted to say but couldn't. He walked over to the barista and grabbed his order which consists of two cups and a bag then headed out of the cafe. 

"So... that was weird," Sally said.

"Yeah," Hailee agreed.

"Still cute though."

"Sally!"

• • •

IT WAS MID-AFTERNOOD when the girls left the café. They casually chatted about their ongoing ideas and plans. Hailee discussed her film schedule, while Sally shared some potential leads she was considering mentioning to her boss when she returned.

As Sally was talking about some ideas they could do for tonight, Hailee's thoughts drifted back to the young man they met. The way he looked at her and spoken to hear was something that she couldn't quite place...like he knew her, and she knew him. It was starting to give her a headache, but she didn't tell Sally that.

Once they arrived at their apartment, the first thing the brunette wanted to do was collapse face-first into her pillow. Unfortunately, however, life had other plans as she received a message from her director.

Her quick guess was that it was going to be a short scene for about an hour which even still made her want to shout. Sally offered to come with, but Hailee declined, she was going to have to drive back later. So instead, her best friend suggested that they have dinner once she got back.

"Alright," Hailee sighed, grabbing her keys. "I'll text you once I'm on my way back."

Sally waved. "Good luck, sweetheart!"

Hailee smiled. "Thanks."

Then the brunette grabbed her keys and headed down to her car. She plugged the address into her GPS, then turned on her favorite playlist and headed out. The drive to the attached address took a while, but not as long as she'd expected. Her guess it was going to be at the second set where the ending of the film happens.

When Hailee parked her car and stepped out of her vehicle, she was taken back when she glanced at the building. It was a derelict shopping mall on the edge of town, not exactly what she was expecting but something similar. Hailee took in the appearance around the building as confusion started to creep in. By the looks of it, it looks like nobody was really inside.

"This can't be right," she muttered.

She pulled out her phone to check the address again. The GPS confirmed this was the location Wilson sent her. Hailee sighed and pressed the call button, her frustration building as the phone rang twice before going to voicemail.

"Hey, Wilson?" she began. "I'm at where you texted me to meet, I think you sent me to the wrong address. Can you call me back?"

Hailee hung up and it was then she heard some noise inside. Her eyes perked, maybe it was the right place after all, but she still had that confused feeling. Apart of her wanted to leave instantly but she didn't want to not hear the end of it from her boss if this was the case.

"Maybe it's just crew setting up," she muttered to herself, slipping her phone into her jacket pocket. Adjusting her bag on her shoulder, she cautiously approached the entrance to the mall.

The automatic doors didn't open when she approached, which was strange. She tried again, waving a hand in front of the sensor. Nothing. 

Rolling her eyes, she pushed one of the doors manually, the glass creaking as it gave way.

The inside of the mall was dimly lit as Hailee stepped in. Rows of storefronts lined either side.

"Hello?" she called out, her voice cutting through the silence. "Is anyone here?"

Her only answer was the faint hum of an old air conditioning unit. She glanced back at the entrance, feeling a sudden pang of unease. What kind of last-minute shoot is this?

Hailee's instincts screamed at her to leave. She'd seen enough horror movies to know better than to walk further into a dark building, especially alone. Taking a step back, she turned, intent on heading straight back to her car.

But when she reached the door, it wouldn't budge. She tried again, shoving her shoulder against it. Nothing. Hailee fumbled for the handle, tugging furiously, but it didn't move.

"What the fuck." she hissed under her breath. "Fuck no."

She pulled out her phone, hoping to call someone. Particularly Wilson. But the screen went dead blank, making her pulse quickened.

"This can't be happening," she whispered as she looked around the empty mall. Trying to find another exit or someone - like a security guard or employee, anything. At least she was eased by the looks an old arcane that reminded her of a childhood...

That is until her ears were met with a scream.

Hailee froze, her head snapping toward the sound. It was distant but unmistakable, coming from the direction of the far end of the mall. Her first instinct was to shout, to call out and see if someone needed help, but she stopped herself. If there was danger, it could put whoever was here in more danger.

Then she started hearing approaching noises and her breath hitched.

I should've stayed in home. Hailee, you fool!  she told herself.

Moving quickly, she began to run, her footsteps echoing off the walls as she hurried toward the nearest escalator. She sprinted up the stairs, taking two at a time, and didn't stop until she reached the second floor.

A quick scan showed the mall's layout was almost identical. Same stores, same escalators, same everything. Hailee's eyes darted from side to side as she tried to decide what to do.

As she neared a junction, she heard something new: footsteps.

They weren't hers.

Hailee's heart jumped. The sound grew louder, accompanied by a strange, rhythmic clatter. Like something heavily hollow was being dragged.

Hailee's pulse was pounding in her ears now, and her breaths came quick and shallow. The rhythmic clattering wasn't stopping. Rather it was getting closer. Too close. Like a creak.

Run.

She bolted down the corridor, her sneakers squeaking against the tiled floor. The air felt stifling, thick while the mall stretched on endlessly. Unlit interiors like open mouths waiting to swallow her whole.

Her footsteps echoed in sync with the hollow creaking noise behind her. Hailee's stomach twitched. The sounds weren't distant anymore at this point. They were closing in... fast.

"Fuck this, fuck this, fuck this," she muttered under her breath. Her instincts screamed to look back, but she didn't dare.

A guttural metallic screech tore through the air, loud and jarring. Hailee choked on her own breath, her legs carrying her faster than she thought possible. Her arms pumped by her sides as panic clawed at her throat. 

She darted down another hallway, her path narrowing as the mall corridors seemed to close in around her as the noises multiplied. 

Whatever or whoever was following her was no longer one thing. It sounded like a lot of things.

She veered left at another junction and came to a dead halt. Her lungs burned as she gasped for air, her hands gripping her knees. She forced herself to focus while making some sense on her situation as the clattering and screeches were louder now, coming from every direction.

They're cornering me.

She felt the walls pressing in, her options shrinking with every second. Without thought she decided to hide in the closest store ahead. The moment she entered, she slammed the door shut behind her, twisting the lock with trembling hands.

Her eyes adjusted to the interior. She was in a clothing boutique, which instilled racks of clothes in bags filling the space like a maze. She gave a sigh of relief, believing she could hide there for now.

Then the clattering and dragging noises had stopped.

Her ears rang in the silence. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if whatever was chasing her had gone.....

But then she heard it.

A soft click.

Her head whipped toward the sound. The boutique was full of mannequins. Dozens of them. They stood in their positions quite accurately. So why does Hailee feel their glassy eyes staring at her.

The click came again. This time, it was louder, closer.

Hailee crouched behind a rack of clothes, gripping the edge tightly to steady herself. Her breath was shaky, her hands clammy. Her skin prickled with the unmistakable feeling of being watched.

Then she saw the impossible. 

One of the mannequins moved.

Not even much. Just a subtle twitch of its head, like a glitch in reality.

She froze, her heart slamming against her ribcage as another mannequin's hand shifted, its fingers curling inward with a mechanical stiffness.

And then they all turned, their heads jerking toward her in unison.

"No, no, no," Hailee whispered.

She backed away slowly, her eyes locked on the figures as they began to move. Their motions were stiff and unnatural, yet deliberate. One stepped forward, then another.

A sharp snap broke the silence as one mannequin's neck twisted unnaturally to the side. Hailee couldn't hold back the small cry that escaped her lips as she was being cornered by the methodical mannequins.

Hailee backed, grabbing a broken mop that laid nearby and pointed directly at them. If she was gonna go out, she'd rather it'd be in a fight first. Once she was pressed against the wall, the mannequins were close enough and one of them raised an arm......

Then a hand caught around her wrist. 

"Come with me."

Hailee froze and turned, looking into a young man's violet eyes. He gave her a serious stare and a smile.

"What-"

"Run!"

Hailee had no idea what was happening, especially as he pulled her forward and they began running from the impending threat that was behind them.

She absolutely had no idea who this guy was but all she knew was that he was getting her out of here and that was all that mattered. Though her mind stumbled on those shouts she heard, there was clearly someone there but her mind couldn't process straight at the moment.

They dashed through the mall's dim corridors, crashing through rusted doors and weaving around debris. Hailee clutched the mop handle tightly, her mind racing.

"Who are you?" she demanded as they turned a corner.

The man didn't answer, just instantly kept running from the chasing mannequins. Hailee, without thinking, threw it at one of them square in the head. The mannequins stumbled back, giving them just enough time to slip past.

"Nice throw," the man remarked, grinning.

"Thanks?" Hailee said, still bewildered.

They made it into an elevator, and as the doors began to close. The man pulled her behind as one of the mannequins — or whatever the fuck they are — thrusted its arm in, trying to force the doors open.

But the man grabbed the mannequin's arm and, with surprising strength, yanked it clean off before the doors closed.

"AH!"

"Relax, it's just plastic," he said simply. "You should be safe by now."

As the elevator began to ascend, Hailee leaned against the wall, catching her breath.

"Y-y-you..."

The man turned to face her and gave her a small smile. "Hey."

"Uh..." Hailee felt shaken at the moment. "....Hi?"

"Is this the right floor? Did I override the security protocols correctly? Is there a way to bypass the lockdown? Who are you, and how did you end up down here?"

"I uh..."

Hailee stood, catching her breath before taking a look at who helped her just now. The man was dark-skinned, looked like he was in his early 30s but his presence felt as though he was much older yet youthful.

The man turned to her, "Oh, yeah, they're not your typical mannequins, that's for sure. Some kind of... construct. Doesn't matter right now. We need to keep moving."

As the elevator continued its course, the man asked questions under his breath, seemingly directed at both himself and Hailee. "How did you stumble here? No offense but you don't look like the type that's often around here. And what were you doing with that mop?"

Hailee couldn't tell if he expected her to answer or if he was simply thinking out loud, but at last she shook her head.

"Y-you just pulled his arm off," Hailee muttered, "Holy shit..."

"Don't be too jumpy. They're not people. They're plastic. It's all plastic," He told her as if it was an assurance, "Who were you calling for?"

"I was calling for somebody. I heard screams."

The man nodded in consideration. "That's possible."

"Oh?" Hailee raised an eyebrow. "Wait, was that you?"

"You wish," The man snorted, crossing his arms.

Hailee's eyes then widened, "Wait! But then that means-"

"I'm sorry," the man gave her an apologetic look as the elevator door opened. "But anyone down there who isn't us are already dead."

Before she could process that, the elevator dinged, and the doors opened to a maintenance hallway. The Doctor led her through it, pulling out a strange, glowing device to override locked doors.

"So what happens now?"

"Well first, you are gonna be sent home or whatever you're from while I'm gonna destroy these plastic-men — aha!" He pulled out a makeshift bomb from his jacket pocket as they reached a set of double doors at the top.

He pushed a door open and pushed her out, which was the front door of a building. "Off you pop. I'm gonna commit necessary anarchy and I might die in the process," He quickly shook his head as though this was a huge joke to him.

"But don't worry about me, beautiful. Just go on and enjoy your ham and toast. Or whatever it is you lots like nowadays."

The man gave her a polite smile before closing the door. Then before she could process what just happened, the door opened,

"I'm the Doctor by the way. What's your name?"

"Hailee."

"Nice to meet you, Hailee." He looked at his beeping device. "Now run for your life."

And she did just that as soon as the man closed the door. She wasn't certain how far she made nor did she hesitate to wonder if her legs already gave out. She barely even made it a few blocks away when–

*BOOM*

The blast roared behind her sent a shockwave that rattled the ground. The brunette stumbled, instinctively ducking as debris flew through the air. The sky seemed to glow for a moment. A thick plume of smoke rose where the mall had been.

Her breath came in ragged gasps as she crouched, covering her head with her arms. Dust and bits of rubble before she slowly straightened. Her eyes wide as she turned to look over her shoulder.  

The mall, or what remained of it, was a smoking ruin. All Hailee could think was, What. Just. Happened?

She didn't bother realizing she still had that arm before she runs off to find her car. Not noticing a blue box that resided nearby.