At her boss's words, Sophie's eyes brightened slightly. A promotion! That wouldn't be so bad, would it? Now she couldn't understand why she had been worrying so much or why her palms had been so sweaty coming up to her boss's office. Her shoulders relaxed as she continued to listen, barely noticing him reaching for a pendulum.<br/><br/><i>"Here at the company, we reward resources that prove hard working, responsible, and loyal. You've shown us all these traits in spades. You know how to follow direction, work diligently, and do as you're told reliably."  </i>His words seemed faded, somewhat echoing, though that would've been seldom impossible in his office. Sophie's dark eyes locked onto his own eyes, and the last words she heard were<i>"You are a valuable asset to me."  </i><br/><br/>Her eyebrows drew together and her eyes grew a bit glazed as she repeatedly murmured under her breath "valuable...asset...valuable asset..." Sophie finally looked up, eyes completely glazed over.<br/><br/>"Your asset?" Her sweet voice droned.