It was the weirdest interview I think I've ever had.

You might think it would be the location of the work or the interview itself. Perhaps even the staff. Yet, despite being held on the grounds of our local graveyard within the old Victorian gatehouse-styled main building, inside an overly well-furnished room, both the location and interview remained rather pleasant. Or, at least as far as the graveyards go, not in the least a cause for melancholy or a ‘creep factor’. In fact, the nearly two-hundred-year-old site is picturesque! With its aged stone, large trees, sprawling vines, and vibrant overgrowth of wild flowers. Thankfully, not even the staff made the interview strange. At least most of those I met. Mr. Eberhard was very kind, polite, and gave the impression he was happy I was there. More so than I was to be finally having an interview, at least as far as I could tell.

Yet, what made it stand out. in a less than savoury way, were the questions. I mean, the positions title ‘Grave Guard Trainee’ tells you all you really need to know. Learning on the job, a mind towards protecting the grounds, its gravestones, avenues, chapels, catacombs, tombs and crypts, from being defaced. Patrols, maybe removing the less than polite visitors.

Not “how are you at dealing with unexpected and unnatural events?” or “are you comfortable with wearing any forms of armour or protective charms?” Sure, it started of relatively normal with a warm, almost grandfatherly, greeting from Mr. Eberhard: A firm handshake followed by being guided into a room and provided seating.

“Good day William Ealdwine, it is a pleasure you could make it here” greeted Mr. Eberhard, in a tone similar to a caring grandfather as he offered a handshake and then a seat. The discussion went on as I expected, expressing my interest in a position that provides training for future growth, that I’m reasonably confident under pressure, and that I am interested in and accustomed to working nightshifts, having worked in bars and clubs till the early hours.

Like I said, normal. So, when Mr. Eberhard asked me of my feelings and beliefs about “the unnatural or supernatural” I hadn’t been able to stop myself openly chuckling; “right, a graveyard” and then explaining that “while I currently have no good reasons to accept them as real, I’m open to being convinced” which, despite his already pleasant demeanour brought a noticeable increase to the smile around his eyes. He asked how I do under pressure, especially in the dark without a direct light source and possibly no moonlight either. “I’d like to think I’d get on well, or at least passably” I had responded at the time “though you can never be sure until the time comes.” I didn’t think about it then but I really hope that wasn’t seen as a bad answer, I really need this job. That was when he asked the question that had me getting nervous...

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“How are you at dealing with unexpected and unnatural events?” queried Mr. Eberhard as he locked my gaze, a cold neutrality fell over him as he leaned in, arms resting on the desk between us.

‘Did he seriously just ask that?’ I had thought. Hell, I’m still thinking it. Pretty sure my mouth was ajar in pure confusion.

“Well, I’ve dealt with sudden shifts in people's attitudes when I worked in bars, especially the late nights when everyone is already too far gone” I had replied slowly. Something to that effect anyway, “but unnatural? Could you, er, explain? Or... “

“Oh, you know” he began, what followed is a little hazy, but I vividly remember a sudden engulfing silence in the room and becoming hyper aware of my surroundings: the drop in temperature, the slight hint of window dew building up on its edges, the almost perceptible sound of Mr. Eberhard’s eyes shifting in their sockets as they peered into, and swap between, my eyes. “Something you are unable to explain; a sudden shift in the terrain, movement only visible in the corner of your eye, or a sudden drop in temperature.”

There was definitely a dramatic pause in there, must have been. I was too focused on calming myself so I could hear anything other than my own heartbeat. I still get shivers just thinking about it. I remember worrying, having finally calmed down enough to think, and then realising I had no idea of how long we had been sat in that scenario. Unfortunately, and mildly disturbing as it was, Mr. Eberhard’s demeanour had not changed so I forced out as reasonable answer I could.

“I guess if I’m unable to explain it then I doubt I’d have a negative reaction. I mean, there will be a reason why things are happening, I just don’t know of it. They might unsettle me, but I’d like to think I’d still be in control.” Seemed like a good response at the time. Now? Seems almost like a none statement.

Thankfully, for whatever reason, Mr. Eberhard’s smile climbed to his eyes and dragged the warm air back with it. We each thanked the other for their time, he’d promised to be in touch, and I had the most calming walk home.

It was two days later that I received a call from him, and it was great! Mostly great. I got the position, if I wanted it, and we had a nice chat. I’m going in tomorrow afternoon for "your induction to the role, the grounds, and equipment” as Mr. Eberhard put it. Though I really wish he hadn’t felt the need to add on that I don’t need to worry about the equipment as “appropriate protections will be provided” and “proper and improper conduct in and around our entirely natural realm shall be overviewed.”

Even worse was how he ended the call.

“Great, and we shall touch upon ‘hazards pay’ whilst at it. See you tomorrow Mr. Ealdwine.”