Time to leave

Outside, the morning’s crisp and quiet. A few cars roll by, birds chirp, someone’s mowing their lawn down the street. You make your way to your dads company, earbuds in, trying to shake off the weird vibes from earlier. The walk into the city is uneventful. By the time the company buildings come into view, the usual morning rush is in full swing. People crossing streets half-awake, holding overpriced coffee, texting while walking. You blend right in.

You check the time. 8:48 a.m. If you hurry, you might just make it to work on time. You adjust your backpack and pick up the pace, weaving through clusters of people as you head toward the main building. Inside, the entrance area buzzes with low conversations and the echo of footsteps. You clock in at 8:59 a.m. Made it, barely.