At Home

Chapter One

The day started as any other. I woke up to the annoying sound of my iPhone alarm at 6:00am. I do this every morning. Every night, I set my alarm for extra early the next morning with the intent to make the day my bitch. Yeah, that never happens. If only 6am Carter was as motivated as 9pm Carter. Instead, I spend all night reading or watching serial killer documentaries and usually don't fall asleep until around 3am.

I snooze my alarm 4 times before eventually rolling out of my bed with an annoyed groan. I take careful steps to the bathroom, only stopping to pet my snoring puppy, Blue, who is curled up in his bed. He slowly opens his eyes to lick my hand before promptly closing them and snoring again. I watch him for a moment, wishing my life could be as carefree as his. No bills. No dead end job he hates. No responsibilities. Just mid day naps, play time, and having all his meals prepared for him. I give Blue one more quick pat on the head before resuming my walk to the bathroom. Time to see how much work I have to put in to be presentable today.

I take a look at my messy bun and my raccoon eyes. I know you are supposed to take off all your makeup at night before you go to sleep, but if I don't do it before the edible kicks in, it is not getting done. I let out a deep sigh and look at the time on my phone. 6:47am. Ideally I would be leaving my house in 28 minutes so I can stop for my morning caffeine fix, but realistically, that won't happen. I normally don't leave my house until like, 7:30, and that's on a good day. I pull my hair down from it's messy bun and stare at my reflection in the mirror. I contemplate if I am going to hop in the shower, just use dry shampoo and face wipes, or if today will be a day I say fuck it and call out. I think up all the excuses I can use. "I've been throwing up all night." "I am pretty sure I was exposed to COVID again and have to go get checked." "Sorry boss, I forgot I had to give my toaster a bath this morning." I laugh to myself at the last thought. I ultimately decide that a quick wash of my face and some dry shampoo will do. I washed my hair yesterday anyway.... Or was it the day before? Whatever.

I finish getting ready in the bathroom, and get dressed before I walk back out to Blue. "Come on boy, it's time to potty!" I say. Blue stands up and does a big stretch before following me to the back door. I open the door and gesture for him to go outside. He runs out with the biggest smile on his face and begins to run around the yard. I can't even imagine what it is like to have that much energy ever, but let alone within 2 minutes of waking up. I take a seat on the back steps and watch my cute pup enjoy the morning sunshine. Blue does his business and runs around more before bringing his soccer ball over to where I am sitting and dropping it in front of me. He looks up at me with the cutest puppy dog eyes, begging me to kick the ball for him. I pull my phone out to look at the time. 7:12am. I still have time. I stand up and Blue's tail wags faster. I kick the soccer ball and it flies and hits the back gate before falling down and rolling back towards me. Blue chases after it with speed, grabs it, and brings it back and drops it in front of my feet again. We continue this game for at least 10 minutes. I kick it again but accidentally give it too much air this time. I watch as the soccer ball goes over the wooden back gate and let out an audible "Shit." Blue runs to the gate and puts his paws on it and looks back at me. "Sorry boy, I will go grab it" I say while waking towards the gate. I pet his head and undo the metal latch.

I take a step out of the privacy of my back yard as Blue tries to follow me sneakily. I turn to look at him and he sits and looks away. The gesture giving off I wasn't doing anything energy. I tell Blue to stay and watch his head drop. He looks up at me with his puppy dog eyes again. He always gets me with those damn puppy dog eyes. I sigh, "Come on then" I say while waving my hand at my side for him to follow. His ears perk up and he joins me at my side while we hunt for his favorite toy.

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I carefully slide it out. I stop walking when I see a text notification from my co-worker turned BFF and I can feel a slight smile tug at my lips. I look down at Blue and hold up my finger. "Stay" Blue sits down and waits. He really is such a good dog. I look back to my phone and swipe up to unlock it. I click on my messages.

Maya: Ugh. I do NOT feel like dealing with the bullshit of work today. Can we call out?

Me: I was thinking the same thing this morning. Again. I fucking wish

Maya: Bitch same. I'm gonna have time to stop at Dunks, want anything?

I am full on smiling at my phone now. Maya understands the importance of morning coffee from Dunkin' Donuts. I always joke that I would end up being the next serial killer without it and Maya always follows up with something along the lines of "You watch enough murder shows to know what NOT to do."

Me: Ya my usual please! :)

Maya: Got it. You better love me forever. Now get in your car and get going or you're gonna be late again and put Miss Trunchbull in a pissier mood than normal.

I audibly laugh at the nickname we gave our manager, Marissa. One time, our co-worker Sadie was a half an hour late because she literally watched a pedestrian get hit by a car. She had to stay at the scene to talk to police and when she came into work after she was visibly shaken. Understandably. Most of us were comforting her, but Marissa decided to call her into her office and reprimand her for being late. Sadie quit on the spot and left in tears. Since then, Maya and I only refer to her as Miss Trunchbull. I look at the time and let out an annoyed sigh again. "Come on Blue, let's find your ball and get you back inside. I'm running late"

Me: Just have to grab Blue's soccer ball and bring him back inside and I will be on my way!

Maya: Awh I miss my Blue Baloo. But seriously, Hurry TF up or I am drinking your coffee

I slip my phone back in my pocket, thankful that I splurged a little and got automatic food and water bowls for Blue. One less thing I have to rush to do in the morning. I release Blue from his sit and he runs ahead of me. I follow him with my eyes and see him run to grab his ball with a happy wag of his tail. He runs back to me and places the ball at my feet. "Sorry buddy, I have to go to work. But we can play after. Grab your ball and lets go." Blue gives a sad look but picks up his ball and walks back to the awaiting open gate. My phone vibrates in my pocket again. I roll my eyes anticipating another text from Maya making sure I am on my way soon. I slide my phone out of my pocket and swipe up again without even looking at who the message was from.

Unknown: You should keep your dog on a leash if you aren't in your yard.

I read the message and look up to my left and right to see if I spot anyone. Just for good measure, I look behind me too. When I don't see anyone, I lock my phone and slide it back into my pocket. I don't really know who would send that but I do have a neighbor a couple houses down who is a real Karen. Maybe she got my phone number somehow. I roll my eyes again assuming that's what it must be. Fucking Karens.

I let Blue back inside and give him a few more head scratches. I kiss his soft fluffy head. "I'll see you after work bud. We will play more soccer." Blue licks my hand again, then walks to his bed and lays down. He is about to close his eyes when he hears his automatic food bowl dispense his breakfast. He stands up and walks over to it and starts to eat it. I throw some random stuff in my lunch bag knowing it likely won't get eaten anyway. I grab a water bottle from the fridge and look at the clock on the wall. 7:38am. FUCK! I'm gonna be late. I rush out to my car and hop in. I groan as I imagine what shit Miss Trunchbull is going to give me for being late. I drive like a bat out of hell and pull in the work parking lot at 7:59am. I rush into the building and clock in just as the clock turns to 8:00. I walk towards my desk and see Miss Trunchbull eyeing me from her office with a look of fury. I resist the urge to stick my tongue out at her, knowing she was probably getting excited to yell at me for being late. My eyes turn to Maya who is sitting at her desk holding back a laugh. I don't doubt she knows what I wanted to do. She sticks her tongue out at me and confirms it. I chuckle to myself and sit down. Ok, here we go. Another day in my own personal hell.