06:00
AUG
01
In Which Fiona & أنت Brave A Nautical Time Loop
The blaring of the alarm clock jolted Fiona from a restless sleep. She groaned, rolling over to slap the snooze button. Jist five mair minutes, she thought groggily. Five mair minutes, an' then ah'll gie up.
Her mind drifted back to the vivid nightmare that had plagued her slumber. A storm raging outside, the power failing, the terrifying sensation of the lift plummeting... It had felt so real. Fiona could still recall the fear gripping her chest, the helplessness as she and the new hire - أنت, was it? - clung to each other in those harrowing moments.
She'd seen them around the rig the past few days since they'd been hired on. Hadn't exchanged more than a nod or a "mornin'" in passing, but she recognized their face. Funny how they'd shown up so clearly in her dream...
Fiona pushed herself up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As she glanced out the small porthole window, she noticed dark clouds gathering on the horizon. A storm brewing? She shook her head. Nae, jist a coincidence. Storms ur common oot 'ere.
It wisnae real, Fiona reminded herself firmly. She was here, safe in her bunk. No worse for wear. Just a bad dream brought on by the stress of the job and the relentless pounding of the waves against the rig.
With a sigh, Fiona heaved herself out of bed, joints popping as she stretched. Time to face another day. She pulled on her coveralls and work boots, tying back her unruly hair. Grabbing her hard hat, Fiona stepped out of her cramped quarters - and nearly collided with someone.
"Och, sorry!" She stammered, glancing up to meet the surprised gaze of none other than أنت. The new hire from her dream. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she sidestepped them.
