Foreman (2022)

The rhythmic clatter of hammers and the steady hum of machinery filled the air at the bustling construction site. Workers moved with purpose, focused on their tasks under the watchful eye of Colin, the foreman. Known for his gruff demeanor and no-nonsense approach, Colin ensured that every detail was attended to with precision. Today, however, a miscommunication has caused tensions to run high.

Tom, a relatively new hire, had been tasked with installing a window fixture. He was eager to prove himself but had misunderstood Colin's instructions, leading to a faulty installation that delayed the project.

"Tom, I told you to double-check the measurements before you installed it," Colin said, his tone more exasperated than angry. "Now we have to take it down and start over."

"I'm sorry, Colin," Tom replied, genuinely contrite. "I thought I had it right."

"It's okay," Colin sighed. "Just make sure to get it right this time. We can't afford more delays."

Unbeknownst to the crew, Colin's day was about to take an unimaginable turn. After sending another worker to find Tom for a new issue that had come up, Colin waited in the middle of the unfinished room. Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over him, and before he could comprehend what was happening, he found himself shrinking rapidly.

When the world finally stopped spinning, Colin realized with horror that he was no larger than a bug. The once-familiar surroundings now towered over him like an alien landscape. Panic set in as he tried to make sense of his predicament.

At that moment, Tom entered the room, his heavy work boots thudding against the wooden floor. Each step sent vibrations through the ground, shaking Colin to his core. From his minuscule perspective, Tom was a giant, oblivious to the tiny foreman below.

"Tom! Down here!" Colin shouted, his voice barely a whisper in the vast expanse. "Help! It's me, Colin!"

But Tom couldn't hear him. Walking into the room, he was unaware as he nearly stepped down on a bug in the room.

Standing in the middle of the room, he scanned the area.

“YO, COLIN…”

Tom’s voice boomed loudly, causing Colin to cover his ears quickly.

“YOU NEEDED ME…?!”

Colin screamed for Tom to stop speaking, the pain too much for his tiny ears.

As the pain subsided, Colin’s vision was filled with the back of Tom’s boot. Seeing an opportunity, Colin sprinted towards the boot and began banging on the side of it with all his might. "Tom! Down here! Help me!" he screamed, his tiny fists making barely a tap against the rugged leather.

Tom stood still for a moment longer, then shifted his weight, lifting his boot slightly. The sudden movement sent Colin sprawling backward, tumbling away from the massive sole. Tom took a step forward, completely unaware of the tiny foreman who had been thrown clear by his casual motion.

“Dude, he’s not even in here!” Tom yelled to his coworker in another room as he exited, unaware of the power his voice carried as he did so.

Colin lay on the ground, gasping for breath, howling in pain from Tom’s voice, and watching helplessly as his oblivious giant of an employee walked away, leaving him to fend for himself.