A whisper, $100 and the sicko never sleeps.

I remember the day well. It was one of those ordinary days however one with a milestone, so a little less ordinary. But, nothing special. I had quit my job...it was all becoming too much.

It was 3pm..I didn't stick around for my own farewell. 3pm was my usual time to clock off. So, I left without even a second thought. 

Up until then, I was lucky to work in a place where I had a great deal of freedom. Somehow when I signed on, I managed to sell the company with this line... "I am more effective working less hours"...not quite sure why, but they bought it.  

I think they liked my honesty. But, it wasn't really honest. I was just lazy and liked happy hour a little too much. First to the bar. Always.  

On this day, thats where I ended up 10 to 4. Right on time, took my usual set, had my usual drink. 

I was chatting to Jake, a casual bar tender, 20 something and little too cheery to work in such a dive. But, it was a nice contrast to the depressing surroundings. 

After a couple, nature came calling. I headed off to the stalls. I had been there since open and thought I was the only person in the place. This illusion was shattered with a whisper.. 

"Can you give me a hand?" 

Instantly, my mind went to those nightmare type movies. Am I being prayed on? A little early in the day. But a sicko never sleeps.  

"How do you want me to help?" 

Silence...

"Can you give me a hand?" 

I was getting impatient, I got my self right and proceeded to try and open the door of the stall next door. I opened it and no one was there. 

Strange. 

I looked in the mirror and I heard the voice again "Can you give me a hand?". 

For the life of me I couldn't see anyone, anything or even locate where it was coming from. 

I bolted towards the door. Thinking I'd just shut it all out. I took my seat at the bar. Jake asked "Is everything alright?" 

"Yeah fine, is anyone else here?" I snapped back. 

"Ah nah man, you are the only one - are you okay?" 

"Yeah, yeah it's just that...nah all is good - another please" 

There was a slight awkwardness between us. He poured the beer and sat it down on my coaster, went back to pottering around the bar. 

I pulled out my wallet and reached for my last $100 note. I bought it up to the light, to check it was real.  Counterfeiting was running riot in my neck of the woods. 

When I put it to the light again, I notice a strange movement in the note and its supplemented "Can you give me a hand?" 

The face on the note was talking..

"I need your hand" 

I look more closely, yes..its definitely talking and I am pretty sure it's me... 

I call Jake over to inspect the note. I down my beer faster than I can even fathom. I hand over the note to Jake. He looks at it. 

"Looks normal to me - had a dodgy one the other day" 

Jake takes the note to the teller and places it in. "Don't let me go, I need your hand" as he is shutting the teller draw. It keeps on speaking. 

I quickly go to say something to Jake but he just looks dumbfounded as whats going on...he responds "It's okay, you can go now" 

I walk towards the door and on my way out I bump into Jim. "Where you going? Not sticking around" 

"Nah gotta go, gotta go" 

Jim walks into the bar as I linger in the door way and light up a cigarette. I overhear Jim saying to Jake "What's wrong with him?"...

Jake "Another episode" 

It doesn't register, it can't register. I am oblivious to myself.