You're Not Invincible...

Upper West Side, Alex Mercer's Apartment

It was 6:30 in the morning, the sun was already shining through his apartment's window and every living being in this world was having a blissful morning.

Except for Alex Mercer. He got out of work at two and since taxis are limited and usually full at this time, the young scientist had to run back home in the rain.

Walking back there would have taken him two hours, running there would take him about half the time. Nevertheless, he'll still be under the rain. Taking off his coat, he wrapped it around his briefcase as an extra precaution.

He arrived back in his apartment, severely drenched in the rain and he was so damn tired that he just kicked off his shoes and plopped down on his bed... instantly falling asleep as his head hit the pillow.

And now here he was, inside his room preparing for work; with a shitty headache.

Fuck... I really should stop agreeing to work overtime. Alex scolded himself, rubbing each of his temples. Looking at the mirror, he noticed the effects of stress and lack of sleep on his face.

Sighing, he made his way to his desk when suddenly he felt intense pain coming from his head. He bent over to his desk, gripping the sides for support as he waited for the pain to ebb away.

After a few moments stuck like that, he slowly walked over to his seat and sat down. Closing his tired eyes, he almost fell asleep; but was woken up by someone knocking on his door. Sitting up straighter, he cleared his throat and fixed his glasses.

"Come in..." he called, although it sounded more like a rasp.

Opening the door, young Dana Mercer poked her head inside before entering. "Good morning, Alex. I was just about to go to school and I figured that I wanted to see you before I go, since I haven't even seen your shadow last night."

Rubbing the back of his head, Alex focused his attention to his little sister and forced a smile.

"I'm sorry about that, it's just that... I need to earn money for your college and they need me back there and I--" but was cut off when he started coughing.

Worried, Dana ran towards her older brother and rubbed circles on his back. Moaning in relief, Alex slumped on his seat and yawned tiredly.

"Are you okay Alex? You look kinda' pale..." she asked, worriedly.

Shaking his head, the young adult faced his sister. "I'm fine, lil' sis. Now... take this and go you little rascal." He answered, smiling. Reaching into his pocket, he took out his wallet and grabbed a couple of dollars.

"Okay... I'll be going then, see you later!" Dana said, waving goodbye as she stepped out of the room.

Left alone inside his room, Alex Mercer decided to finally go to work. But before he did, he took a small container from his desk and poured its contents to his palm and popped them in his mouth.

Let's just see if I can make it through the day without passing out... he whispered to himself and went outside.

____________________________________________

GENTEK Facility, 8:00 a.m.

Entering the facililty, Alex was already bombarded by the press and co-wokers.

"Dr. Mercer! How does it feel to be the youngest Head Researcher of Gentek?"

"What are your plans for becoming Head Researcher?"

"Dr. Mercer, what do you plan to contribute to Gentek?"

"Dr. Mercer! Why are you so hot?"

"Dr. Mercer! Can I have a kiss?"