The Hermit's diary

The Hermit

I awoke to the sunlight piercing through the blinds of my window. After several unsuccessful attempts to return to sleep, I reluctantly left my bed and checked the clock, magically perched on my nightstand. Bright red numbers displayed 7:36 on 1.09.18.

Following about ten minutes of searching my wardrobe for a white T-shirt (a challenging feat), I gave up and settled for the first black t-shirt I found. I tied my hair into a ponytail and glanced at the broken mirror outside my room door. "I look like I've poked a plug again," I remarked. My dark auburn hair was frizzy, and my brown eyes were bloodshot, as usual, from nights spent playing on the computer.

After combing my hair, I donned a pair of black jeans and headed for the bathroom, typically occupied by my roommate, David. Knocking on the door, I called out, "David, are you coming out soon, or should I just grab my toothbrush and toothpaste?"

"Give me five minutes, and I'm out of here," he replied from the bathroom, adding, "Would you mind running the coffee machine while you wait?"

"Okay, I'll run it, but don't linger; it's the first day of school, and you know you have to be there," I answered, then headed to the kitchen, where David's girlfriend, Robin, sat. She was engrossed in her book, smoking by the window. As I entered, she looked at me with a smile and said, "Good morning, Jason. Did you manage to get some sleep?" Tall and elegant, with black hair and brown eyes, she wore a white shirt and a black skirt, appropriate for the day she had to give a speech at school.

Attempting a smile, I replied, "Yes, I took a nap, but I'd like at least 5 or 6 more hours of sleep. How are you? I noticed you've borrowed a book from my library again; I hope it's to your liking." With those words, I went to the coffee machine, started it, and then sat down at the table, lighting a cigarette.

"Again, I apologize, but I can't resist reading, and you know it well. I promise not to damage it in any way," she replied, putting out her cigarette in the ashtray David had given me for my birthday. As I contemplated whether it was worth attending the first day of school, David walked into the room and said, "Sorry I was late in the bathroom; I just noticed I didn't shave. I hope you didn't wait too long."

After extinguishing my cigarette, I stood up and said, "Relax, you haven't lingered much, but next time you come into the kitchen, please put on at least a pair of boxers, is that okay?" I then went into the bathroom, where a cloud of steam greeted me. After brushing my face and teeth, I returned to my room for my phone and headphones, then went back to the kitchen, got a coffee, and opened the fridge. "I'll make something for breakfast; do you want some too, or should I not bother?"

After uttering those words, I retrieved the egg crust my grandmother had sent me and a package of bacon. After two minutes with no response, I turned around and noticed only Robin in the kitchen, engrossed in her book. I then turned back to the stove, pulled out a frying pan and three plates, and began cooking for the three of us. About 15 minutes later, during which time David had returned to the kitchen, I placed the three plates on the table and started eating while browsing Instagram. After finishing my meal, David took care of the utensils and dishes while I sipped my coffee and smoked.

Ten minutes later, Robin placed her book on the table and said, "If you're ready, shall we head to school?" She stood up, took her car keys, and added, "I'll wait for you downstairs."

After locking the apartment door, David and I entered the elevator to descend to the first floor. While waiting, I asked David, "Are you sure it's a good idea for me to come with you to school? You know how weird it would be for the other students to see you getting out of a car with Hermit."

"You know I don't care about that. I don't care what the other students might think if we arrive at school together. Like I told you when we went out together, you're my first friend, someone I can trust no matter what, and I'll always be there for you, no matter what," David replied. We exited the elevator and headed to the car, where Robin awaited us with a smile.