At My Wit's End

Ch. 1 The Morning.

Carly's POV

It had been the first Saturday in a few months that I actually had the day off and some time to myself. Though i had missed my friends dearly, I just needed some me time, and I hated making friends decide on plans at the last minute. I had been at my job for 2 years already, so I was finally able to accrue enough time to take vacations days. I had a few days to burn, so I just decided to stay home and do some things around the house. I begged my body to finally allow my circadian rhythm to finally make a full circle, but every time I got the slightest bit comfortable, it was like my brain wanted to run a marathon. My cat Louie was even starting to get annoyed with how many times I had rolled around in my bed, that he climbed up into my lap, and pawed at my face.

" Alright, I'm up. I'm up. Call me back when you know what it's like to have zero sleep."

Louie meowed at me and ran towards the kitchen, expecting some breakfast and some milk. Trudging out of bed, I slid on my fuzzy slippers, and grabbed a robe before heading off to the kitchen. After giving King Louie his food and warm milk, I tried to make some coffee for myself, before realizing that the machine was broken.

"Piece of shit," I mumbled, running a hand through my hair. It was too early in the morning to not have coffee. Since my day had already been started anyway, I decided to get dressed and make my way down to the local coffee shop just a few blocks away.

After changing into some jeans and a top, I grabbed a light cardigan, kissed Louie, and headed out to the bustling streets of New York.

New York was the biggest, busiest, bustling city in the country. Try thinking of another B word... I promise you can't.

Regardless of how crazy this city could be, it was like no other, and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

I walked a few blocks in the direction of the coffee shop, and took in every sight I could. The sun was shining and there was a slight breeze. People of all shapes and sizes and colors walked the streets just as I was, trying to make a name for themselves. Most people came to New York for the music scene, or the art collectors, just trying to make a living doing what they loved. I couldn't help but admire some of the street performers, and would typically give them whatever change I could to show them that I appreciated it. I loved music myself.

The coffee shop was very busy for an early morning, but it wasn't abnormal for the city. I waited in line dreaming about me swimming in espresso, and people behind me were starting to build up. Once I finally got up to the desk, I saw that one of my good friends, Ethan, was working.

"Good Morning, sunshine! You Look like shit," he smiled, as he warmed some milk up for a previous order.

"Thanks," I whined. "You really know how to make a girl smile at 7 AM."

Ethan grinned and handed the woman beside me her beverage. "That's why I'm here."

How do you want it?"

"Nice and rough," I grinned sarcastically. This whole back and forth was even funnier when I was tired as all hell.

"The coffee, ya nasty," Ethan replied, rolling his eyes playfully at me.

I almost wanted to lean over the counter and fall asleep. I had never been this tired before.

"Black. Like my soul."

I heard a soft laugh behind me that sounded like it originated from a man. I couldn't help but grin myself, because for once someone actually found me funny. Ethan handed me my coffee, and I handed him my $20 bill.

"Use the change to pay for the guy behind me," I whispered to my friend.

"You sure?" Ethan smiled, leaning over just enough that I could smell his cologne.

I nodded and took the coffee with me out the door, literally hearing angels sing in the background. I could honestly get away with pretending to be a part of a musical number, because that's just what happened in New York. Flash mobs were still all the rage.

A few minutes later, as I was walking back towards my apartment, I could hear someone yelling "Hey! Hold up!"

I just never assumed it was towards me, so I just kept walking, but the man who uttered the words wouldn't let me get away.

"Hey, excuse me, I wanted to give you some money."

I looked up from my phone, and saw a man with baggy black jeans and sneakers standing there with his wallet in his hand.