Across the ocean

ONE

At the crack of dawn on Tuesday, September 4th, 2022, my alarm clock erupted into a blaring melody at precisely 4:30 AM, a sound that has become an unwavering companion in my daily routine. As I pried my heavy eyelids open, a soft glow emanated from the digital display, illuminating the dimly lit room. The remnants of sleep wrapped around me like a fog, making it difficult to fully grasp the day ahead.

With a determined groan, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling the cool floorboards beneath my feet. I padded softly to the bathroom, where I splashed my face with cold water. The refreshing raindrops cascaded over my skin, jolting my senses awake and washing away the lingering traces of slumber. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—a slightly disheveled version of my usual self, hair tousled and eyes still heavy with fatigue.

Feeling somewhat revived, I turned my attention to my closet, the door creaking slightly as I opened it wide. I sifted through the array of clothing hanging neatly on mismatched hangers, searching for the ideal outfit: something that struck the perfect balance between comfort and professionalism, suitable for my role at Pure Perk.

After deciding on a comfortable outfit of a simple black t-shirt and a pair of cozy black joggers, I grabbed the leash and headed outside with Chloe, my feisty little chihuahua. Her tiny frame was practically vibrating with excitement, her paws dancing in place as I struggled to clip the leash onto her collar. Once we stepped out into the fresh morning air, Chloe dashed forward, her ears perked up, eager to explore every corner of the yard.

After our brief adventure, we returned home, and I made my way to the kitchen. The sound of kibble pouring into her bowl filled the air as I watched her scamper over, her tail wagging furiously in anticipation. As she settled down and began to crunch happily on her breakfast, I couldn't help but feel a warm smile spread across my face. It was a simple moment, but the joy radiating from my little companion made it feel special, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

With a newfound sense of urgency pulsing through me, I quickly snatched my bag from the corner where it had been carelessly tossed the night before. As I slipped on my jacket, feeling the fabric brush against my skin, I noticed the slight chill in the air that hinted at the autumn chill settling in. I approached the cluttered table, a familiar battlefield of forgotten items, and began rummaging through the mess. My fingers danced over papers and stray pens until I finally fished out my keys, their metallic jingle echoing the frantic rhythm of my heart.

There was always a certain chaos to my mornings before work, a blend of excitement and anxiety that accompanied the race against the clock. As I dashed out the door, the coolness of the outside world enveloped me. The invigorating scent of dew-soaked grass wafted into my lungs, awakening my senses. I paused for a brief moment to soak in the invigorating crispness of the morning air, feeling it refresh my spirit and propel me forward into the day ahead.

I settled into the worn driver's seat of my 2016 Ford Focus, a vehicle that had clearly seen better days. The cracked bumper protruded awkwardly, a testament to my numerous close calls in crowded parking lots. The driver's door window, marred by a large crack, struggled to slide down, a sign of my relentless procrastination when it came to much-needed repairs.

As I sat there, I was flooded with memories from that long-ago summer when I had vowed to finally fix everything. I could almost hear my own voice echoing in my mind: "Next weekend, I'll tackle it all." Yet here I was, realizing that those weekends kept slipping away like sand through my fingers, each week bringing new excuses and distractions. The once-bright paint was now dulled and chipped, mirroring my own neglect. The car had become a physical reminder of my unfulfilled promises, leaving me with a sense of frustration as I contemplated the never-ending list of repairs I had put off yet again.