The alarm rang at exactly 5:30 AM.
Jay turned it off before the second tone could follow. His eyes were already open, steady, aware, like sleep had only been a temporary pause rather than rest. He lay there for a brief moment, staring at the ceiling, letting his mind settle into alignment. No rush. No scattered thoughts. Just quiet control.
Then he sat up.
The apartment was silent, untouched, exactly the way he had left it. No distractions. No unnecessary details. Everything existed with purpose, and that was how he preferred it. He moved out of bed smoothly, his steps light as he walked toward the bathroom without hesitation.
The shower was quick and deliberate. Hot water ran over him,
By the time he stepped out, he was already moving again.
