"The Retirement Plan"

When I announced my retirement, my boss and co-workers couldn't have been happier. Some people joked that the office would be less stressful without me, while others appeared saddened by the news. I knew the person who sat in the cubicle next to me would miss me. She and I would often have these great side conversations every day. She was a sweet middle aged woman.

Eagerly, my co-workers, as well as myself, awaited the day when I'd finally leave. I'd get the same question asked of me at least once every day I worked, "What are you going to do when you retire?" I'd always respond with, "I'm going to live in a cabin in the middle of the woods and settle down, away from the busy noises of the world."

I knew I was looking forward to it. I had the cabin purchased and everything. I'd been saving up for it for a while. I decided that I would finally retire once I had the place paid off, that way I wouldn't have to worry about all my retirement money going toward the place. Only the smaller bills to worry about.

When the day finally arrived for me to pack up my things and leave, undenounced to me, everyone had decided to throw me a surprise going away party. They said they did it because I meant a lot to everyone that worked there, and I'd been there longer than anyone else there, so it won't be the same when I'm gone.

They'd got some alcohol and a small handful of people decided to get me a gift. I was beyond ecstatic with all the effort they'd all gone through to do all this for me. It felt great to be appreciated here. My boss even gave me a few things, mainly things branded with the company logo as "Things to remember us by."

Many hours passed and many drinks had been had, before we all parted ways. I hadn't had much to drink, as I didn't care much for the taste of alcohol, and I had things to do before leaving this town behind. I knew this town would be one of the biggest things I'd miss, as I've been living in this town, almost since I graduated high school. I've seen this town at its weakest and its strongest. I've seen building fall and new buildings go up.

After returning home, it was pretty dark out. I looked at my watch, it was just a quarter past eight. I got my box I'd packed everything from my office into, and sat it down on my kitchen counter. I checked my pocket, as my usual routine after I'd gotten off work every day, to find that I still had an office key in my pocket. I knew I wouldn't be around tomorrow, I'd planned to leave first thing in the morning. I decided I'd better take the key back.

I got into my car and headed back to the office. Nearly all the lights had been turned off. It was weird seeing the place like this, as it was always daylight when I worked. I made my way to my boss' office and knocked on the door. I knew he was in there because I saw a light on. There was no reply but a loud thud instead. I patiently waited for a grunt that said he'd knocked something over, but there was nothing. I knocked again. Silence.

I opened the door, perhaps he hurt himself. Instead of finding my boss in the office, I saw a man in a ski mask holding an axe that was dripping blood. He looked over to me before running toward me, swinging the axe