Lacuna [Reed900]

2: Reality - Just Another Nightmare

Acronychal
(n.)
Occurring at nightfall
•••••••••

Gavin's alarm went off at 7:00 as usual. With an indignant grunt, the detective slammed a hand down on the snooze button, letting his arm flop back down onto the mattress. His stirring alerted his cat, Bee, who more than happily attempted to suffocate Gavin in a heap of tabby fur, insisting on being pet.

"Mm... up," Gavin groaned, stroking the cat with a lazy hand. The hum of Bee's purring made Gavin want to fall right back asleep but the light that filtered through the window illuminating the room pressured him to get up and start the day. He stretched, wincing at the sound of his back popping against the strain.

With a tired sigh, Gavin stood, doing his best to ignore the cold air that greeted his skin. His cat hopped off the bed after Gavin gracefully, letting out a few petulant mews. She trotted excitedly past his legs, making a beeline - ha - toward the kitchen, chattering away as she went.

"Yeah, yeah," Gavin muttered, though a faint smile was evident on his face. "I'm coming."

His routine was always the same. Wake up, get changed, feed Bee, feed himself whatever he could whip up, before leaving for the precinct. Sometimes he'd shower in the morning if he decided to wake up earlier, but that was usually saved for the nighttime.

Gavin grabbed his motorcycle keys, bending to give his cat a loving pat before he parted from her, the drama queen meowing her goodbyes like it was the last time she'd ever see him. He wasn't worried she'd get bored during the day. The sweet old lady across the hall - Ms. Williams - would often come over and keep the affection craving cat attention.
Spoiled brat.

Locking the door behind him, Gavin made his way down the flight of stairs and to the sidewalk where his motorcycle sat. Helmet secured and the ignition turned on, Gavin took off down the street, set on getting his morning coffee before the day officially began.

Already Gavin noticed the occasional Android or even human walking along the sidewalks. Gavin pulled up to the coffee shop, dismounting from the bike.

"What can I get you today sir?" The pretty barista behind the counter asked, practically before he even entered the empty shop.

"Coffee. Black." Came Gavin's clipped reply. She simply nodded, getting to work after Gavin paid.

The flash of a person - no - Android brought Gavin's attention to the window. Two men hot on the Android's tail, obviously in the middle of tormenting it.

"Your coffee, sir."

Gavin blinked away from the scene and grabbed his steaming cup of coffee that was resting on the counter.

"Thanks."

Making his way out the door, Gavin could hear the pleas of "leave me alone!" and "stop!"

But he didn't do anything.

Despite hearing the cries, he found himself standing idly by his bike for a few minutes sipping his coffee, attempting to block out the pleas he heard just a few yards away from where he stood. The only thing that rattled him was the sound of laughing as the victim dropped to the ground with an electronic whine.

He knew how it would truly end, anyways.

Already he could see two Android scouts turning the corner, running toward the scene with anger and determination in their eyes.