ALARM

An echo slammed the walls of my head and was followed by a faint vibration that hissed through the ends of my ears. My heart raced as my eyes shot open. I crawled out of bed and into my clothes. I grabbed my packed bag, racing into the kitchen and taking the last bagel resting on the counter. I was late, really, really late. Stumbling through the crowded streets, avoiding the lifeless morning birds making their way to jobs with industrious hours stretching long before them. 

I had lost hope. My only chance at a peaceful vacation away from this shit hole was slipping away quicker than I could catch my breath. A slight, jarring shiver ran through my body when my music stopped, and a vibration shook the pocket which homed my phone. 

As I pulled it out, I saw my father's name on the screen. He said, “Hey Brandan, just checking in to ensure security went smoothly and your plane is set to take off on time.” 

I froze. I raised my tone and added some excitement to my crackling voice. “Everything is going great! Can’t wait to see the fam.” I ended the call worried the awakening city streets would uncover the truth. 

Panicked, I eventually made my way to the Metro where I caught the train heading to the airport. It wasn’t long until I found myself shuffling through long lines as my mind wandered off into emptiness where everything seemed to slow down. As I made my way through the airport, the hustle and bustle of the crowds around me started to fade away. I was lost in my own thoughts. As I neared my gate, I couldn't help but notice a girl sitting alone, her head buried in a book. She was beautiful, with long dark hair and striking blue eyes. I couldn't help but stare, and as I passed by her, she looked up and caught my gaze. I quickly looked away, feeling embarrassed. There wasn’t much I could do because I had a plane to catch, and that's all my mind could focus on. At the gate, I saw a line of tired faces and felt a wave of relief wash over me. As fate would have it my flight was delayed due to bad weather. I found myself wandering aimlessly through the airport, trying to pass the time. As I turned a corner, there she was again, sitting alone at a small café. I couldn't believe my luck. 

I walked over to her and mustered up the courage to introduce myself.

 "Hi, I couldn't help but notice you earlier. My name is Brandan. Mind if I join you?"

She looked up at me and smiled. 

"Sure, I'm Emily. Nice to meet you.” 

We instantly clicked. It felt like something out of a dream. After hours had passed and many laughs were shared, it was time for us to part ways. As I got up to leave our eyes locked; I wanted this moment to last forever. My body took control as my mind froze. The moment our lips touched something pulled me away.    My eyes shot open; I awoke in my tiny apartment with the ringing of my alarm and without the company of Emily.