As David returns to his desk, he begins to collect the data from the spreadsheets like he had been told to do by Mr Edwards. Whilst sending an important email, to Mr Edwards, he notices a strange spam email that has made its way to his inbox and avoided filtering.

“Odd,” thought David, however, even though it was against his better judgment, David, out of curiosity, couldn’t help but click on the email open it up and give it a read.

The email was from a pharmaceutical company stating that it offers extra income for a year for anyone willing to undertake a clinical trial for a new drug.

“Holy shit…$250,000 for testing a new drug for a year,” he thought, mind blown at the offer that the email posed. He continued to read the email, which he noticed, failed to say precisely what the drug was for, but, what it did state was that it was for a local pharmaceutical company, in fact, it was only a few miles from where he was working. “Clearly some bull shit scam,” thought David as he quickly deleted the email.

David then continued to work, making his way through the spreadsheets and further compiling the data as was required of him. However, David soon found that he couldn’t help but think about the email and the potential for extra income, all for taking part in some stupid drug trial for a year. The fact that the email didn’t specify what exactly the drug was for, got David even more curious.

“How can they ask people to take part in something…when they won’t even tell them what it is,” David thought, chuckling to himself as he did so.

“What’s amused you?” asked Andy, peeking his head to the side of his desk to see what David was laughing at.

“Ah nothing,” laughed David, “I just got some spam junk in my inbox…couldn’t help but laugh, you know how it is,” explained David.

“Oh yeah I get you,” said Andy, “What this time, dick enlargement? Russian bride?” he proceeded to ask.

“Nah man,” replied David, “You know much about these clinical drug trials?” David asked.

Andy shook his head,

“I’ve heard of them, but never really fancied taking part, too risky,” he explained, “But hey, you’re single, go for it if you feel its worth it, from what I heard, there can be big bucks involved…especially if something fucks up, my advice…just make sure you know what you’re getting into…or…steer clear,” he added with a chuckle.

“Big bucks…yeah…like $250,000 big…but yeah I guess they can be risky,” David thought to himself.

David picked up his cell phone and got up out of his seat,

“Hey, where you going?” asked Andy,

“I need a break,” said David as he walked out of the office door. David made his way back passed the reception desk and down in the elevator. Once downstairs he made his way outside before going around the side of the building. Once there, David pulled out his cigarettes, placing one to his lips before lighting up.

“So…let’s scout this out a little shall we,” he thought, opening up the internet browser on his phone and began to search. He brought up the local pharmaceutical company’s website and began to read each trial they were performing, one by one. There were clinical trials for all manner of things; Penis enlargement pills, Breast enlargement pills, Drugs to fight cancer, Fertility treatments and a variety of different drugs for heart conditions, none of which, however, paid out the kind of money that the email had stated.

“Very odd, indeed,” thought David, taking a drag of his cigarette, “Definitely a bullshit scam, just as I first thought.”

However, David couldn’t help but imagine what being paid that amount of money could do for him. He could wipe the debts that were left to him by his ex-wife, after which, he could still go on a well-deserved holiday or buy a new car.

“All just fantasy…instead I’m stuck here with this shitty salary and a shitty boss,”  pondered David as he finished his cigarette and flicked away the remnants before heading back upstairs to the office.

The rest of the day seemed to drag. After what seemed like an eternity, it was 5pm and David headed home.

After a long day at work, David trudged through the front door of his small apartment, ready to collapse on the couch. He could already feel the tension in his shoulders from the stress of the day lifting as he kicked off his shoes. As he made his way to the living room, he couldn’t help but notice how eerily quiet the apartment was. Even though it had been over a year It was unusual for him to have a moment of complete solitude, as he usually had his friends coming and going or his Sister or his mother in contact with him. But tonight, it seemed that everyone was out doing their own thing apart from him.

David sank into the soft cushions of his couch, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He relished in the peace and quiet for a few moments before he realized that he hadn't actually talked to anyone all day. Sure, he had exchanged a few brief words with his coworkers, such as Andy, Stephanie and Hannah, but nothing substantial. No real conversations, no laughs, no connection. It was a realization that hit him like a ton of bricks. Other than his few friends and the two immediate family members he had, there was nobody.

Feeling suddenly restless, David got up from the couch and wandered around his apartment. He checked his phone, hoping to see a text or missed call from a friend or family member, but there was nothing. It was as if the world had stopped moving and he was the only one left in it.

In a moment of sheer desperation, David even considered going to a bar or calling up one of his friends or even his sister, just to have someone to talk to. But he quickly dismissed the idea, not wanting to impose on anyone's plans or appear desperate for company. So instead, he retreated back to his couch, turning on the TV and mindlessly flipping through channels. Yet as he did so, he couldn’t help but cast his mind back to that email, the money that it offered, was it a scam? Surely it had to be, especially seeing as though their own website had no mention of it.

As the night wore on and the clock ticked closer to bedtime, David couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment and sadness. David knew that right now even if he were surrounded by his friends, as he had been the previous evening, he would still feel the empty loneliness that filled him at this present moment. He had always prided himself on being an independent person, perfectly content with his own company. But now, being alone in his apartment with no one to talk to his head was soon filled with all the stresses and troubles he had going on in his life. The debt he had looming over him, his failed marriage that resulted in his wife leaving him for another guy. His job and the fact that no matter how much work and effort he put into his career, it all seemed to be for nothing, as others always seemed to get the rewards he craved, such as raises in his salary, promotions or even recognition.

Eventually, David gave in to exhaustion and went to bed, the thought of returning to the office tomorrow looming heavy in his heart. Another day would come filled with stress, despair and on top of that, the thought of returning home to an empty apartment and being alone.

As he closed his eyes, David couldn't help but let his mind wander to a dark place. He thought about how nice it would be if he could just go to bed and never wake up. The idea of escaping from his daily struggles and responsibilities seemed like a tempting option. But then, he quickly pushed those thoughts away, feeling guilty for even entertaining such a notion. Yet the guilt that he felt was not about himself, far from it, the guilt he had felt was what those actions would do to his poor mother and sister, who he loved dearly. Eventually, David managed to drift off to sleep.

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The following morning, David opened his eyes and sighed,

“Here we go again,” he thought, slowly pulling away the bedsheets and dragging himself up and out of bed before getting on with his morning routine, before heading out to work.

David arrived at work, at 8.10am on the dot, just as he always did. grabbing his coffee and cigarettes, he made his way into the building and up to the third floor.

As he stepped out of the elevator, again he was greeted by the friendly smiling face of Hannah. Her warm and welcoming smile never failed to brighten up his day. She was always the first person he saw when he arrived at work. And every morning, without fail, she would greet him with a cheerful “Good morning David.”

But today, as Hannah’s smile greeted him, David couldn’t help but feel a sense of heaviness in his heart. His mind was preoccupied with the recent events in his personal life, and he couldn’t seem to shake off the feeling of sadness that had been weighing him down.

“Morning Hannah,” He managed to muster in a weak response, his voice sounding rather flat and dull, a stark contrast to Hannah’s friendly, compassionate tone.

Hannah noticed the change in David’s demeanour immediately. She had always been perceptive and could sense when something was bothering someone.

“Is everything alright?” she asked, her voice full of concern, “You don’t seem quite yourself.”

David stopped for a moment, taken aback by her question. He wasn’t used to people noticing his emotions, let alone showing genuine concern for him.

“Yeah…erm…everything…is…fine,” he replied, forcing a smile.

The forced smile obviously wasn’t enough to convince Hannah though. She could see through his facade and knew that something was bothering him.

“You look like you could use an ear,” she said, her voice gentle and understanding, “Lunch?”

David was caught off guard by her offer. He wasn’t used to people reaching out to him, especially not in the workplace.

“I…erm…what?” he muttered, looking blankly at his colleague as she sat behind her desk.

“I’m asking…David, would you like to go for lunch together?” Hannah repeated, “You look like you could use a friendly ear…I usually go with Steph…but I’m sure she won’t mind if you’d like to join us.”

David was touched by Hannah’s kindness. He had always seen her as just a friendly face at work, but now he realized that she was much more than that. She genuinely cared about her colleagues and was always there to lend a listening ear.

“Erm…sure,” he replied, unable to prevent a smile from forcing its way onto his face.

“Great, I shall see you at lunchtime,” said Hannah, her infectious smile painted on her face as usual.

As David made his way to his office, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for Hannah’s offer. He had been so caught up in his own problems that he had forgotten the importance of human connection. He had been isolating himself, but Hannah’s kind gesture reminded him that he didn’t have to go through his struggles alone.

David took his seat and placed his coffee and pack of cigarettes on his desk before he heard the familiar sound of whistling as Andy arrived.

“Good morning,” stated Andy, making his way to the adjacent desk and sitting down.

“Hey,” replied David as he was logging onto his computer.

That was the last words spoken between them in a long time, as both of them set about their work.

David logged on to his emails and sent the necessary documents before something caught his eye. There, sitting in his inbox once again was the email about the clinical drug trial.

“Wow…how did that get through the junk filtering again,” he pondered, as he opened it up on his screen.

Sure enough, it was the exact same email, offering a place on a clinical drug trial for a year, with an extra guaranteed income of $250,000 to the few who participate.

David’s interest was now well and truly peaked,

“Starting to feel like fate,” he thought as he clicked on the link in the email, hoping the anti-virus software on the computer wasn’t gonna flag it.

The link took David to the website of the pharmaceutical company, yet it was no page he had seen the previous day as he had trawled through their website. This page had a form for personal details to be entered. It required the usual information such as name, date of birth, marital status, email address, telephone number, occupation, and any current medication he was on. However, what caught David's attention were the further questions about his height, weight, medical history, and any family medical history of certain illnesses.

Without giving it much thought, David quickly filled in the form, glancing up momentarily to ensure nobody was watching him. He clicked on the 'complete' button, and the page then redirected him to a section regarding mental health. David, who had been struggling with depression for a few years, answered truthfully about his condition, even ticking the box asking if he had a history of suicidal thoughts.

After completing the form, David received an instant email from the pharmaceutical company, thanking him for filling it out and informing him that they would be in touch if he had been successful in making it to the next stage.  

David then began to continue with his work, yet in the back of his mind, he had a constant niggling about the email and the form he had just completed.

Before he knew it, there was a knock on his office door and Stephanie poked her head inside,

“David,” said Stephanie as she smiled at him.

“What am I wanted for now?” pondered David.

“Hannah told me to come and get you,” stated Stephanie with a smile, “You are still coming for lunch with us…right?” she asked.

“Oh yeah, sorry I…erm…totally forgot,” David mumbled as he collected his things from his desk and made his way to the door.

Stephanie stepped back outside and David turned to look at Andy. Andy put up his thumb and winked at David,

“Honestly, you’ll probably be the envy of every guy in this place right now,” he joked.

David gave him a half-assed smile before he left the office and followed Stephanie back towards the reception.

As they arrived at the reception desk, Hannah was already standing in anticipation, awaiting their arrival.

“So…where are we going?” mumbled David.

The two girls looked at each other and then back at David,

“We usually go to the café a few doors down from here…have you ever been?” asked Hannah, smiling as she always did.

David shook his head before the three of them made their way to the elevator,

“I’m sure you’ll like it, just as much as we do, right Han?” said Stephanie.

Hannah nodded as the trio stepped inside the elevator, making their way down to the ground floor.

As the three of them ate lunch in the café, David was rather nervous at first before finally, he opened up to them about what had been bothering him, and they listened with empathy and understanding.

Just then, his phone pinged, it was an email from the pharmaceutical company. David nervously opened up the email,

“Dear Mr Sanders,

We would like to inform you that you meet the criteria that we require and have successfully passed the first stage required for the clinical trial. We would like to invite you for a quick chat, tomorrow morning at 9am. If we are 100% confident you are what we are looking for and of course, you are happy to do so, the trial will commence immediately thereafter.

See you soon,

Dr Abigail Maddox.”

David’s face turned a ghostly shade of white, quickly drawing the attention of the girls.

“David…are you okay?” asked Stephanie sounding rather concerned.

“Yeah…I just…I,” mumbled David in response,

“Shit! I’ve been accepted…I could be in with the chance of getting…such a life-changing amount of money…the end of most of my stress…within my grasp,” he thought. “Do I trust Hannah and Stephanie enough to tell them about what I’m doing?”

“I…I’m fine…I just…I’m gonna be late…for work tomorrow,” mumbled David.

“Oh…okay…I’ll make a note of that when we get back,” stated Hannah, “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah…just…doctors and stuff, you know how it goes,” replied David.

The two girls looked at him curiously, it was clear to them that he wasn’t telling them everything.

“Yeah, I understand,” said Stephanie with a smile, yet Hannah wasn’t quite as convinced as she continued to look at him rather quizzically before she changed the subject. As the trio continued with their lunch date, they chatted and laughed, and for the first time in a while, David felt a sense of relief. However, he couldn’t decide whether this relief was down to the rather enjoyable moment he was having with coworkers, or was this feeling down to the email he had received and being one step closer to such a large sum of money.

As the three of them made their way back to the office, David reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. As he did so, he turned to his two colleagues, Stephanie and Hannah, and said, “I’ll…erm…you know, see you girls up there.”

 He pointed towards the alleyway on the side of the building, where he usually went to smoke.

Stephanie nodded and continued walking towards the office, but to David’s surprise, Hannah spoke up,

“Yeah, you know what, I’ll join you.” She smiled mischievously at David, as she followed him towards the alleyway.

David was taken aback by Hannah’s decision to join him.

“I didn’t know you smoked Hannah,” he said, sounding rather astonished.

Hannah laughed, “Well…I do and I don’t. I’m more of a social smoker…more so when I drink, usually.” She explained with a giggle, “Do you mind?” she asked, pointing towards the packet of cigarettes in David’s hands.

“Not at all,” he replied with a smile, before offering her a light.

The two of them stood in silence for a while, smoking their cigarettes. For David, this was a rare moment. Whilst he knew some of the other guys in the office smoked, he was not someone who indulged in frequent smoke breaks with his coworkers. In fact, he often used these breaks as a way to escape from the bustling and mundane routine of office life. But today was different. Today, he found himself standing next to Hannah, one of his colleagues, and surprisingly, he didn't mind her company at all. Unlike the rest of his coworkers, Hannah's presence didn't bother David. In fact, he rather enjoyed her company. She had a calming aura and a witty sense of humour that made her stand out from the rest.

After a few minutes of silence, David finally spoke up, breaking the silence,

“I really enjoyed...you know...being out with you guys,” he stated, trying to make conversation.

Hannah smiled at hearing David's words,

 “Oh really,” she answered, taking another drag of her cigarette. “You should come with us more often,” she added, extending the invitation.

 “I’ll keep that in mind,” said David as he couldn't help but smile at her words. He had never really had female friends in the past. In fact, the only woman he had ever been close to, except for his mother and sister, of course, was Sara. And as attractive as Hannah was, it was her company as a friend that David wanted, more than anything else.

“So…erm…David,” said Hannah, looking at her colleague, “What was erm…what was really wrong with you…just now in the café?”

David took a deep breath,

“Nothing was wrong…as such,” stated David, “But…I trust you…Hannah, promise you won’t say anything to anyone…not yet anyway…not even to Steph.”

Hannah looked at David, her big, soulful brown eyes made contact with his, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of comfort and calmness wash over him. He knew he could trust her, and that was why he had decided to confide in her.

“I swear…not a word,” she replied, “Besides…I kinda like that you trust me,” she added, smiling warmly as she took a drag of her cigarette.

David couldn’t help but smile back at her,

“I wasn’t exactly lying…when I said it was the doctors…” stated David, “But erm…you know how I’ve had all the…you know…the money problems I told you about,” he explained.

Hannah simply nodded as she tossed her cigarette butt to the ground before crushing it under her heel.

“Well…I got an email…about one of these clinical drug trial things,” David continued to explain.

“Okay,” replied Hannah, listening intently.

“So…it promises to pay…a lot…enough to cover my…issues anyway,” said David.

Hannah looked at him, clearly sensing he was still being rather allusive with the details.

“Anyway…I got accepted, that’s where I have to go in the morning,” he continued, “But I promise I’ll be straight here once I’m done,” he clarified.

“Okay…so what type of drug is it for…what does it do?” asked Hannah, “You know those things can be dangerous…right.”

David tossed his cigarette to the ground,

“That’s the catch…I don’t actually know,” he muttered rather sheepishly.

“YOU DON’T KNOW!” exclaimed Hannah, “David…how could you…sign yourself up for something, when you don’t know what it is.”

“I just…I really need the money, Hannah, I told you that. And this…how hard can it be,” explained David, “Besides, I can still back out tomorrow, you know, if it sounds dangerous, I’m out, I promise.”

“Well…is anyone going with you?” asked Hannah, still sounding concerned.

“No…why?” asked David, looking rather puzzled.

“Tell you what, I know Steph won’t mind covering for me for a few hours...Mr Edwards won’t be in tomorrow morning, so I’ll come with you,” Hannah announced before smiling gently.

“Sure…okay,” replied David, unable to resist Hannah’s warm, caring smile, “If you don’t mind…that is.”

“Look David,” said Hannah, “Do you think I would have offered if I didn’t want to,” she explained.

David nodded in agreement as the pair walked back towards the office building.

“I will even pick you up if you write down your address for me,” stated Hannah.

“Okay…thank you,” replied David. One thing he hadn’t even considered is what if he is unable to drive after the appointment.

“You’re more than welcome, David,” replied Hannah, “Just know, whatever you’re going through, understand, you’re never alone, you do have friends at work,” she added with a smile.