A very short story.
Countdown
“27… 26… 25… 24… 23…” The digital voice droned on.
His harness was extremely tight, and though that gave him some measure of confidence it also highlighted the gravity of what was about to occur.
“20… 19…”
Dean cast his eyes over his surroundings in an attempt to distract himself. It was too early in the pre-dawn to make out much detail about his surroundings, but there was enough light to hint at how high up he was, and there was enough light to reveal how little infrastructure there was to support the small suspended room he was situated in. Not that “situated” is the right description. More like “strapped and locked down, unable to escape”.
“14… 13… 12…”
He willed the countdown to stop. He wasn’t prepared for this, his mind had changed, he wasn’t this committed to the cause anymore.
“LET ME OUT, I CAN’T DO IT, LET ME OUT!” he screamed.
“8… 7… 6…”
A high-pitched whine started to build up, growing louder rather quickly. Dean arched his back and writhed, straining against the straps holding him down.
“5… 4… 3…”
He held his breath - there was nothing more to do at this point. He pressed his eyes shut and the pit of his stomach dropped out in anticipation of the force that was about to be applied to his body.
“2… 1…”
Four dull thuds from his knees and hands hitting the ground, along with the rough texture of the carpet scratching his face, startled him awake.
“Unnngh,” Dean groaned, reaching over and shaking the bed. “Oi, you’ve edged me out of the bed again. Move over.”