It was a bit strange from the first time I saw the poster. Hourly wage negotiable (High pay guaranteed) — only this phrase was printed unusually thick, and the working hours... were torn away as if scratched off.

Still, I ignored it. I liked kids, I needed the money, and above all—strange things are everywhere in the world.

When I dialed the number, they picked up before it even rang twice.

"Yes. This is the playroom."

I thought they picked up too fast, but I just let it slide.

"Ah, well... I'm calling about the part-time job posting."

A brief silence. That silence was strangely long.

"...The position is open right now."

"Oh, really? The interview—"

"You don't have to do one."

I was cut off. It was the timing for me to continue speaking, but strangely, the other side ended it first.

"Can you start today?"

I hesitated for a moment. Even while thinking it was strange, so strange, my mouth moved first.

"Yes. I can."

"Good. I'll text you the address. Come on time."

Click.

The call ended just like that.

—

First day of work

Following the address I received by text, I arrived at an ordinary building. The glass door on the first floor had the word 'Playroom' stuck on it, and the lights were on inside.

"Hmm... this is the place."

I pushed the door.

Click.

The sound of the door closing echoed unusually loud. At that moment, strangely, all the sounds from outside vanished.

"Hello?"

No answer.

I took a few more steps inside. Colorful toys, small chairs, drawings like scribbles on the wall.

Strangely, it was too well-organized. For a space where children are supposed to be... it was too, too quiet.

"Um... I'm the one who's supposed to start working today—"

It was then.

Flicker.

The lights went out once and then came back on.

"...Huh?"

I blinked. What was... that just now?

I looked around again.

...Something had changed.

Until just a moment ago, the walls were bright pastel colors, but now the colors were faded. The scribbles... had become blurry.

"Wait a minute..."

I turned around.

...There was no door.

"Uh...?"

There was definitely a door I came through, but that spot was now a wall.

My heart suddenly sank.

"What... is this a joke?"

I pulled out my phone. The screen turned on.

But—

No signal.

"Hey, what is this, seriously..."

Then, a sound came from somewhere.

...Creeak.

I slowly turned around.

It was a hallway. A hallway that wasn't there before.

"...Is anyone there?"

My voice echoed strangely.

Too loudly, too far.

And—

At the end of the hallway, something seemed to move.