Never The End

Part 4

I awake, the tightness in my neck threatening to form another migraine as I sluggishly roll out of bed. What time is it? I'm not sure, I just know I need some Advil. Rolling my shoulders back I attempt to release some of the tension building in my muscles. Quietly, I move across the room.

I rub the sleep from my eyes as I open the cabinet behind the mirror in the bathroom, retrieving a bottle of medication. Spilling a few into my hand, I lean over taking a drink from the tap, eager to prolong the inevitable headache. The dim light from the vanity causes a ghostly pain to reside behind my left eye.

Closing my eyes firmly, I rub my neck, trying to relieve the stress. A sigh slips past my lips as I hold onto the edge of the counter, leaning tiredly against it. A quiet hum from the bathroom fan fills the otherwise silent room.

Turning the handle of the faucet I run cold water into the sink, the sound of splashing water joins in with the white noise of the fan. I scoop the icy liquid into my hands before splashing it onto my face. The cold instantaneously brings a tingly sensation over my skin, resulting in a chill running down my spine. I do this a few times before pressing a towel to my face.

For a moment I stay there, my elbows supporting my body as I lean over the bathroom sink, my hands covering my face. I let the towel fall as I tilt my head down, running my fingers through my hair. Pausing for a brief moment I sigh.

Time ticks by slowly before I decide to exit the small space of my bathroom, beginning to feel suffocated by the confined space. I rub my neck absentmindedly as I approach my bedside table. Reaching out I grip the digital clock in my hand, turning it toward myself. Blinking a few times from the harsh light, I make out the current time. The bright neon green numbers read,

4:37am

I squint, not particularly surprised by the early hour. It isn't unnatural for my body to wake me up at the crack of dawn. Although I have a feeling the reason for my early rising has to do with my frequent headaches and not my internal clock. I've been told they are stress headaches and it wouldn't surprise me if that were true.

Feeling a sense of energy beginning to bring my mind to life I decide there's no point in trying to go back to bed. My thoughts have already begun to work their way to the front, snatching away any chance I had at getting more rest.

Flicking the kitchen light on, I contemplate how I will start my day. Casually I pull a mug from one of the kitchen cabinets, setting it down beside the coffee pot. I pour a fresh set of coffee grounds into the machine. Pressing a button, I wait patiently by retrieving a bowl of sugar and spooning a small amount into my cup.

Soon the thick scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the apartment. I sigh, enjoying the smell. Pouring the hot liquid into my mug, I stir it before taking a drink. I lean against the counter as my eyes drift across the dimly lit room landing on the window across from me. The blinds are closed, although a sliver of light from the street lights peak through. I grip the mug of coffee in my hand, thoughts swarming my mind.

I feel restless, feeling the need to do something, something to relax me. Something to help me forget. Perhaps I could go on a walk? No, it's too cold, I would be miserable walking down the street at this hour. Try to sleep? I already know the answer to that. There is no way I'd be able to calm my thoughts enough to get a wink of sleep.

I briefly look to my leather jacket crumpled up on the floor by the door. I lazily threw it on the floor the night before, surprisingly exhausted once I had come home from my convenience store trip. It baffled me just how relaxed I had been, I fell asleep quickly for once.

Finishing the dark liquid in my mug, I set it into the sink, rinsing it thoroughly. I hate rings in my cups. Shuffling over to the jacket strewn across the floor I grip the collar picking it up. I narrow my eyes as a strange weight to the jacket causes one side to sag. Reaching my hand into the pocket I retrieve a candy bar that had been stuffed into the jacket. Recognition crosses my face as I remember, I had placed the snack there after the girl had brought it back to me.