Everyday before Eva left work, Neil would tell her to "be safe!" It became almost like a ritual, something to look forward to at the end of a hard day. So, when no sound came from Neil's office, Eva worried. He didn't like anyone entering unannounced but... with a sigh, she pushed the door open.
The office lights were off, the only light coming from the computer screen. Scattered papers covered his desk, scrawled notes that only made half sense, an empty cup that used to contain coffee. In the center of the chaos, sat her partner.
Neil lay asleep, sprawled over his keyboard snoring softly, glasses askew. She couldn't help but smile fondly at the sight. He had been working so hard lately, it was good to see him resting. Even if it was in his office instead of a bed, like normal people slept in. Deep down, she was worried.
...Not that she'd tell him any of this, he'd never let her live it down. Walking up to stand next to him, she gently shook his shoulder.
"Hey... C'mon moron, you shouldn't be sleeping at work..."
He shifted slightly, mumbling something incoherent before settling back into sleep. With a sigh, she rubbed her own tired eyes in frustration. This wasn't going to work.
One hurried note later, Eva found herself standing at the door to Neil's office again. With a final glance back, it was time to go home.
It was a new moon tonight, the sky hung pitch black above her. Her night vision had never been the best, it usually wasn't a problem as she went home before sunset. She'd been staying at the office later recently, covering for Neil. The extra paperwork was a hassle, but at least it meant he could get more sleep. As soon as he was feeling better though, he so owed her one.
For now though, she just had to focus on not falling asleep at the wheel... Maybe this was a mistake, she really shouldn't be driving right now.
No matter how much she shook her head, her vision remained out of focus. Come on Eva... driving isn't that hard, just keep the wheel straight, foot on the pedal, watch out for-
Eva jerked awake just as a deer shot in front of the car, swerving violently to the side, right into the path of a semi truck. Blinded by the lights, she attempted to block the light with her arm. She felt just as much like a deer in headlights as the literal deer staring at her from the other side of the road.
Time seemed to move in slow motion, the sound of her car crunching on impact making her head ache. As the car rolled into the ditch, glass shattering all around her, apples tumbling out of the glove box... a couple thoughts stood out in her panicked mind.
One; Her car was definitely totaled.
Two; She hated that deer with a vengeance, but at least it wasn't a squirrel.
Three; Who was going to look after Neil...
...Eva's thoughts slowed to a crawl, as she hung upside down, suspended by her seat belt. Everything hurt, it was hard to breath, to think... The edges of her vision were tinged black, white stars danced and died before her. She thought she heard distant shouting coming from outside, but couldn't understand the words... The pain had subsided, her limbs felt heavy and numb. Blood had pooled below her, reflecting back a face she no longer recognized.
As she drifted into unconsciousness, one last thought whispered sadly.
...Who was going to look after her...?
.
.
.
Neil awoke with a start, sitting up slowly. He really needs to stop falling asleep in his chair, his back was killing him... Glancing at the clock revealed it was 4:39 am, damn, guess he wasn't going home tonight. Might as well get back to work, or at least, games that made it look like he was working.
...Huh? A sticky note was stuck to the computer screen. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he squinted at the purple handwriting.
"I'm heading home, make sure you get more sleep! Be safe -Eva"
Hm, guess he was so tired he'd completely missed seeing her off... Oh well, he would just have to make sure to apologize when she arrived in the morning. With that thought, he loaded up a game.