The air was sharp and cold. Every breath i breathed punched the back of my throat and burned my head.
I didn't expect it to be very cold, and as I walked through the neighborhood i regretted not wearing a coat.
I reassured myself that this errand wouldn't take very long, but the cold biting at my bones didn't help.
I walked into the corner store, the dry warm air hitting me immediately as i walked in. The air tasted like old cigarettes in the back of my throat. I moved quickly through the store, not enjoying the cheap lighting and awful smells.
I briefly considered getting liquor, but decided against it in favour of coffee.
I bought the coffee and left the store as soon as i could. I was filled with a sense of relief when i stepped back into my apartment and tossed the plastic bag on the kitchen counter. I pulled my shoes off and tossed my jacket on the couch.
I sat down at my desk and turned my laptop on. I can't recall much of what i did. I zoned out and mindlessly clicked through the internet. By the time i brought myself back to reality, it was later in the day.
I dragged myself away from the desk and into the kitchen. I sloppily made coffee and sat down on the couch next to where I'd left my jacket earlier. I sipped the tea in silence, listening to the clock ticking over the banister. It was the only sound in the ocean of ambience. It looped.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
As the cup emptied, i found myself more and more dreary. I stood up and want over to the kitchen. I set my cup down and ran my hands under cold water in the sink. I held my hands under the water until they grew numb and then switched the faucet off.
I quickly dried my hands with a small hand towel and then took the clock off the wall above the banister. I figured it was time i get rid of it. It had been broken for weeks now, enhancing the silence of the house. I looked at if for a brief moment before tossing it into the trash can.
I turned off the lights in my apartment and went back into my bedroom. I made sure the closet was closed tightly before collapsing onto my bed, hoping to fall asleep.
A chill climbed up my spine and i stiffened. I kept my eyes shut tightly and clutched the blanket in my hands.
No no no. I thought. We're not doing this again.
And yet, it happened again.
