Pulses

Chapter One

I heard the sound: a long beep, followed by a short pause, then another beep. It was the sound of my alarm clock, alerting me that another day had passed. In an instant, I was up. I had fallen asleep in yesterday’s clothes, so I only needed to grab my bag to be ready for my day.

I darted to the door. It was flimsy and wooden, the general luxury one can expect when renting an apartment that is affordable under my meager salary. I opened the lock, stepped outside, and swung around to lock it, all in one quick motion. I had no time to waste.