My morning routine.

...My morning routine....

...Chapter 5...

...*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP* ...

..."Ughhhh," I groaned, my voice thick with irritation as the relentless beeping of my alarm jolted me from sleep. The sound echoed in the quiet room, a stark contrast to the comfort of my warm bed. I slapped the snooze button with more force than necessary, trying to cling to the last remnants of sleep, even though I knew it was time to face the day....

...Suddenly, it hit me. "I hung out with Arthur," I thought, feeling a sudden jolt of energy rush through me. The memories of yesterday flooded back our moments together at the park, the laughter, and the unexpected closeness. My mind raced as I wondered how school would go today after everything that had unfolded. Would things be different now? Would Arthur and I acknowledge what happened, or would we go back to how things were before? The thought of seeing him again sent a mix of excitement and nervousness through me, and I knew that today was going to be anything but ordinary....

...My mom opened my door, her eyebrows lifting in surprise when she saw me. "Oh, you're up this time what a surprise," she said, her voice carrying a hint of humor. "Get dressed; I’ve already made breakfast."...

...She walked out, leaving the door ajar as I glanced at my alarm clock sitting on the dresser. It flashed 6:30 AM. I realized I had plenty of time to eat and get ready since school didn’t start until 7:40 AM. I sat up, the events of yesterday still fresh in my mind, and started to think about what the day might hold as I began to prepare for it. ...

...I got out of bed and sat up straight, my mind racing with thoughts about what I should wear today. I walked over to my closet, pushing my shirts on the hangers to the side, searching for the right one. My fingers brushed against the fabric until I found a sleek black button-up shirt. Glancing up, I spotted some black pants folded neatly on the shelf. I grabbed them along with a fresh pair of underwear and quickly changed out of my pajamas....

...Once I was dressed, I decided to head to the bathroom to freshen up. As I approached, I noticed the light was on, which usually meant my brother was in there. I knocked gently on the door. "Hey, are you almost done?" I called out, half-expecting a playful retort from him, knowing how he liked to take his time in front of the mirror....

..."Just a second!" he yelled back, and I could hear the rhythmic scraping sound of him brushing his teeth. ...

...With a sigh, I decided to walk downstairs. The closer I got to the kitchen, the stronger the mouthwatering smell of breakfast wafted through the air. It was a tantalizing combination of pancakes, eggs, and crispy bacon that made my stomach rumble in anticipation....

...As I reached the last step, my eyes landed on the square glass table in the dining area. It was beautifully set with square plates piled high with fluffy pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and sizzling sausages. A glass of fresh orange juice sat invitingly next to a plate, ready to be enjoyed. The sight was enough to make me forget about my brother's antics in the bathroom and focus on the delicious feast awaiting me....

...I walked to my seat and sat down, the enticing aroma wrapping around me like a warm hug. I dug into my breakfast, taking a bite of the fluffy pancakes first. They were perfectly golden brown, drizzled with maple syrup that glistened under the light. The pancakes were light and airy, melting in my mouth with each bite. Next, I moved on to the eggs, which were scrambled to perfection, their rich buttery flavor complementing the subtle seasoning. ...

...The bacon was a crispy delight, crackling with each bite, while the sausages added a savory kick that was both hearty and satisfying. I sipped the fresh orange juice, its zesty brightness cutting through the richness of the meal, refreshing my palate. ...

...As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of comfort wash over me. My mom's cooking always had a way of making everything better. By the time I finished my food, my plate was clean, and I felt pleasantly full, ready to tackle whatever the day had in store for me....

...I heard footsteps from the staircase and looked up just as my brother Papa walked down, his face brightening when he saw that I had finished. I got up, grabbing my plate and the empty glass of orange juice, and made my way over to the kitchen sink to wash them....

...As I turned on the faucet, the water flowed out with a soft splatter, creating a soothing sound that filled the kitchen. I let the water run warm, watching as steam began to rise. I poured a generous amount of dish soap onto the plate, the bubbles quickly forming into a frothy layer. The soap had a fresh scent that mixed with the lingering aroma of breakfast, making the whole experience feel comforting....

..."Damn, it smells good in here! Let’s see what Mom cooked up today," he said, heading straight for his plate at the table. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile, feeling the warmth of our little morning routine....

...With a sponge in hand, I started scrubbing the plate. The textured surface of the sponge glided over the plate, effectively lifting off any remnants of food. I focused on the areas where the syrup had dried, feeling the satisfaction of watching it dissolve under the warm water. ...

...Next, I picked up the empty glass, still faintly smelling of orange juice. I poured more soap into it, swirling it around as the bubbles erupted, creating a light, airy foam. I scrubbed the glass carefully, making sure to reach every corner, enjoying the feeling of it becoming smooth and clean again....

...As I rinsed everything under the running water, the sight of the sparkling dishes brought a sense of accomplishment. I stacked the clean plate and glass on the drying rack, feeling a bit of pride for tidying up after breakfast. ...

...I walked towards the stairs, my mind still buzzing from the morning's excitement. The wooden steps creaked softly under my feet as I made my way up to the second floor, where the main bathroom awaited. ...

...As I approached the bathroom, the door stood slightly ajar, revealing a welcoming glow inside. The walls were painted in a soft gray, giving the room a clean, fresh look. A light beige accent appeared in the form of colorful towels hanging neatly by the sink. The polished granite countertop of the vanity gleamed under the overhead lighting, and the large mirror above it reflected the light, making the space feel even more open....

...Stepping inside, I noted the thoughtful layout: the bathtub, with its tiled surround, stood ready for a refreshing shower or a relaxing soak, while a separate nook housed the toilet, ensuring privacy. Above it, a wall-mounted cabinet held spare toiletries, providing a tidy feel. ...

...I walked to the sink, where I picked up my toothbrush. I squeezed a ribbon of minty toothpaste onto it, the vibrant blue and white contrasting against the bristles. As I began to brush, I focused on the rhythmic motion of the toothbrush against my teeth, the mint flavor invigorating my senses. I glanced up at my reflection in the mirror, taking in my tousled hair and the determined expression on my face....

...After a thorough brushing, I turned on the faucet, letting the cool water rush into my cupped hand. I took a sip, gargling it for a moment before spitting it out into the sink, the sound echoing lightly in the small room. The sink sparkled, showing that it had been recently cleaned, which added to the pleasant atmosphere....

...Next, I reached for a towel hanging on the rack, its fabric soft and warm. I wet it with soap and water, scrubbing my face gently, feeling the refreshing clean wash over me. The scent of the soap mingled with the light fragrance of the towels, adding to the sense of comfort in the bathroom....

...Once I was finished, I hung the towel back up, taking one last look around. The carefully arranged accessories, from the patterned shower curtain to the small potted plant on the vanity, made the space feel inviting and personal. Satisfied with my morning routine, I stepped back out into the hallway, ready to tackle the day ahead....

...Coming out of the bathroom, I could hear the TV playing, sounding like it was broadcasting the news. The familiar tone of the newscaster's voice echoed through the house, letting me know my mom was already watching it, waiting on us....

...Walking down the stairs, the voice of the reporter echoed in my ears as I listened intently. “In breaking news, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate. President Vladimir Putin has announced a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China to discuss potential alliances. This meeting raises questions about the future of the conflict, as both leaders explore the possibility of joining forces. Analysts are left puzzled about what this could mean for the war and its impact on global stability.”...

...The other reporter chimed in, “Experts warn that this alliance could shift the balance of power in the region, and many are concerned about how it might prolong the conflict in Ukraine. As tensions rise, the world watches closely to see how these developments will unfold.”...

..."God damn," I said under my breath walking down the stairs. I sat on the couch next to my mom, glancing at my phone to check the time 6:58 AM. ...

...Looking back at the TV, I focused on the news broadcast, where the reporters continued their coverage of the escalating conflict. One reporter, with a serious expression, spoke directly into the camera. “As the situation intensifies, President Vladimir Putin's upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping could lead to significant changes in the dynamics of the war. Their discussion centers around military alliances and resource exchanges that could further complicate the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.”...

...The second reporter chimed in, her tone urgent. “Sources indicate that the agenda will also include negotiations for trading nuclear weapons in exchange for ammunition and military support. This alliance raises serious concerns about global security and the potential for an arms race.”...

...Suddenly, I noticed one of the reporters pressing his fingers to his earpiece, listening intently to someone on the other side. After a moment, he pulled his fingers down and continued, “We have breaking news regarding their discussions our sources confirm that both leaders are not only considering military cooperation but are also exploring economic partnerships that could affect the balance of power in Eastern Europe.”...

...My mom shook her head in disbelief. “It’s scary to think about how all of this could escalate.”...

...I nodded, my mind racing with thoughts of the implications. The atmosphere felt heavy, and the weight of the news settled around us as we both absorbed the reality of the world outside our front door....

...My mom glanced at me. “Y’all ready?” she asked, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and routine. I nodded, indicating that I was ready. ...

...She got up from the couch and walked over to the front door, reaching for the keys that hung on the wall. The jingle of metal against metal filled the air as she picked them up, a familiar sound that always marked the beginning of our day. ...

...“Let’s get going, then. We don’t want to be late,” she said, unlocking the door and stepping outside. Me and my brother followed her, the morning air crisp and refreshing against my skin, a stark contrast to the heavy news we’d just absorbed. As we made our way to the car, I couldn’t shake the thoughts of the ongoing conflict from my mind, a reminder of the uncertainties that lay beyond our small, safe world....

...“Shotgun!” he yelled, racing to the front passenger door. I tried to mask my emotions, not giving him any hint that I cared. The playful competition between us was familiar, yet I felt a pang of annoyance at his exuberance. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that it was just part of our routine. ...

...As I walked around to the backseat, I stole a glance at him. His face was lit up with excitement, a stark contrast to the heavy news that had lingered in my mind just moments before. I forced a smile, determined not to let his energy affect my mood. After all, we both needed to face the day ahead, even if the world outside felt increasingly chaotic....

...I slid into the backseat, buckling up as I leaned my head against the window. The car pulled out of the driveway, and I watched the world blur by. Buildings zipped past, each one a little different yet somehow the same convenience stores with bright signs, coffee shops with morning crowds, and old brick buildings with faded paint. We stopped at a red light, and I stared at the people on the sidewalk, all caught up in their own routines....

...The light turned green, and we moved on, passing more of the same gas stations, a car wash, a small park with trees swaying gently in the morning breeze. My mind drifted as the car slowed down at another light, the engine idling softly. I glanced at the clock on the dashboard; time seemed to be slipping away too quickly, yet the drive felt like it was dragging on forever....

...Finally, we pulled up to the school. The familiar building loomed ahead, students already milling around outside. I let out a slow breath, feeling the weight of the day ahead settle on my shoulders. The car rolled to a stop, and I unbuckled my seatbelt, ready to face whatever came next....

...I stepped out of the car, feeling a bit nervous about my day, hoping that Arthur would be the same as he was yesterday when we hung out. Students swarmed the area, each one different yet somehow blending into the usual morning rush. Some wore hoodies and jeans, others were dressed in bright, graphic tees with cargo pants or skirts. Backpacks of all colors and sizes hung from their shoulders some slung casually over one arm, others tightly strapped on both....

...I glanced around as buses lined up, their engines humming as more students hopped off, joining the flow heading inside. A girl near one of the buses adjusted her earbuds, bobbing her head to music only she could hear, while a couple of friends chatted animatedly, their hands gesturing as they talked....

...I tightened my grip on my backpack strap, trying to keep my nerves in check. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Arthur, hoping that today would continue where yesterday left off. ...

..."Have a good day at school, honey," my mom said with a warm smile. I returned the smile, feeling a bit more reassured, and then turned to walk into the school. With a deep breath, I stepped through the doors, ready to face whatever the day had in store for me....

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