Chapter 23

Mess

Kia

Each and every morning, the identical occurrence takes place again and again. Because it is so easy and has such a consistent pattern, I could probably do it while I am sleeping because it is so monotonous. It’s something that I, along with a large number of other people in this society, have come to dread. It’s 7:20 a.m. My alarm clock just went off with a loud, grating beep, indicating that it’s time for me to get out of bed and start the day. As soon as I open my eyes, I slowly and methodically remove the comforter from my body, making sure to appreciate every last bit of the warmth it provided. I rub the sleepiness from my eyes and stumble to my feet, feeling dizzy and unprepared for the outside world.

“Mhm… I’ve been running on empty for quite some time.”

As soon as I woke up, I made a beeline for the restroom to get ready for the day’s schedule of events. When I looked in the mirror, I was taken aback to observe that my neck was covered in hick