In your arms

Chapter 6: How's Your Day?

The following morning, Rick awoke with a stretch, his body unwinding from the warmth of sleep. He eased out of bed and began his daily exercise routine, focusing on keeping his muscles limber despite the scars that marred his skin—remnants of the accident that had claimed his late wife. At twenty-four, maintaining flexibility felt like a battle against the inevitability of stiffness, but it was crucial for him.

After a satisfying workout that left him glistening with sweat, Rick headed to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as he made a batch of pancakes, topped with an assortment of colorful fruits. Moving with practiced agility, he expertly balanced his breakfast and coffee, navigating through his home towards his work station with a fluid grace. Yet, in his preoccupied state, he realized he had forgotten a key element of his morning routine—clothes.

"Damn it, and I had such a good run," he muttered, setting his breakfast down and hurrying back to his room. A quick shower refreshed him, and he dressed in his usual stylish attire, finishing with a splash of his favorite cologne. Returning to his working area, he was greeted by the sight of his breakfast, now cold and unappetizing.

"What is going on with me today?" Rick exclaimed, his frustration mounting. He sat down to sip his coffee, only to find his chair collapsing beneath him. The sudden crash sent him tumbling to the floor, a cascade of lukewarm coffee staining his clothes. "WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK!?" he shouted, disbelief etched in his voice.

"Well, looks like I need a new chair," he grumbled, heading back to the bathroom to clean up. After changing into something more casual yet sharp and slicking back his hair with precision, he grabbed a bottle of water and some homemade granola bars.

"BENJIE, lock up after I leave," he called out.

A disembodied robotic voice responded promptly, "Yes sir, security protocols will be initiated once you step out of the premises. Will you be out for long, sir?"

"No, just going to get a new chair. I shouldn't be gone long," Rick replied.

"Thank you, sir. Initiating active tracking system," BENJIE's voice confirmed. Rick's phone lit up with a prompt from B.E.N.J.I.E—Brilliant, Efficient, Network, Journey, Innovation, Executor.

"Thanks, BENJIE. I'm off," Rick said, heading to his car. He slid into the driver's seat of his sleek vehicle, its engine purring to life. The car's suspension gave the sensation of floating above the road, handling curves and hills with effortless grace.

At the local shopping center, Rick parked his car, instantly attracting the attention of passersby. People paused to admire and photograph the vehicle, and Rick, in good spirits, acknowledged their admiration with a nod. With renewed purpose, he entered the shop, hoping for a smooth resolution to his chaotic morning.

The air inside the small shop was infused with the scent of polished wood and leather, creating a cozy ambiance. The soft chime of a bell cut through the stillness as Rick stepped up to the counter. He rang the bell once, its sound echoing softly. From the back of the store, a cheerful but distracted voice called out, "Coming!"

Alice Masters, the store's young attendant, hurried toward the front, smoothing down her uniform as she went.

Alice, in her early 20s, is a lively and energetic sales attendant at a local furniture store. With her long blonde hair and bright blue eyes, she exudes youthful charm, though she often feels self-conscious and easily flustered. Despite her occasional clumsiness, Alice is dedicated to her work and harbors a romantic idealism that colors her interactions and daydreams. Her enthusiasm for her job is matched by her desire for meaningful connections, which sometimes leads to awkward yet endearing moments. As she navigates her professional and personal life, Alice strives to build confidence and find a balance between her dreamy aspirations and the realities of her everyday experiences.