In the small town of Terrell, (Y/N) Parsons defies her family's expectations by joining the army. Through rigorous basic training and a harrowing deployment, she proves her resilience and earns her place among her fellow soldiers. An ambush leaves h...
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room as I stirred beneath my covers. I stretched languidly, savoring the final moments of tranquility before the day began. Rolling out of bed, I padded across the room to my vanity, where my morning routine awaited me like a familiar ritual. My cochlear implant, resting on the vanity, was the first thing I reached for. I attached it with practiced ease, welcoming the gentle hum of the device as the world came into sharper focus. With a few quick strokes, I brushed through my (h/l) (h/c) hair, enjoying the feeling between my fingers.
In the bathroom, the scent of lavender and eucalyptus filled the air as I turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature until the steam enveloped me in a comforting embrace. I relished the sensation of hot water cascading over my skin, washing away the remnants of sleep. With deliberate care, I lathered my favorite soap, the rich, creamy texture a luxurious indulgence. Afterward, I toweled off and applied a light, hydrating moisturizer, its subtle fragrance lingering as I moved to the next phase of my routine.
Back at the vanity, I opted for a minimalist approach. I barely wore makeup, preferring the natural look that highlighted my fresh complexion and bright eyes. Instead, I focused on small touches that made me feel ready for the day. I carefully applied a clear lip balm to keep my lips hydrated and slid on a pair of simple, elegant earrings. Stepping back to survey my work, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I was ready to face whatever the day had in store, armed with the confidence that comes from taking a little time to care for oneself.
I quickly dressed in my go-to outfit: a pair of jeans and an ACDC shirt, topped with a light (f/c) flannel and some cozy socks. Leaving the bedroom, I descended the stairs and headed to the kitchen. I grabbed a Poptart and continued gathering my essentials, slipping on my (f/c) Converses and picking up my keys. Munching on my breakfast, I walked to the garage and pressed a button on my keys to open the garage door. Sliding into the driver's seat, I inserted the key into the ignition, buckled up, and turned the engine over, smiling at the gentle purr of the engine.
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I turned up the volume, letting Metallica's cassette fill the car with its familiar sound from my last drive. Carefully, I pulled out of the garage and driveway, watching the door close behind me. After about a 15-minute drive, I arrived at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio. Parking in the designated area for exhibitors, I stepped out of the car. It was 8 a.m., and I still had two hours before the convention doors opened at 10.
I loaded all the pieces for my stall into a wagon I picked up from the Academy sports store and began bringing them in through the back door. With my badge hanging around my neck, I gained access without any questions. Once in the exhibitor hall, I headed to my stall and started unloading everything. I set up my displays, hanging my art pieces from the backdrop and arranging others in a binder for people to flip through.
