Nathan:
Opening my eyes, I was abruptly awakened much earlier than my alarm by the incessant barking of my neighbours’ dogs. Those little nuisances always seem to start their howling around five or six in the morning. Most of the time, I'm too tired after a night shift to pay much attention, but unfortunately, on the rare occasions when their howling does catch my attention, it becomes a struggle to go back to sleep. And today seems to be one of those days.
You see, I consider myself someone who doesn't complain simply for the sake of avoiding complaints from others. I believe in the notion that kindness begets kindness. I'm fairly certain that my neighbours have had to endure the noise of my lady friends howling in the early hours of the day as well. So, honestly, who would be the loser in a battle of "I can't keep my dogs quiet, but you could be less noisy with your late-night friends"? Anyways, I'm awake now, unsure of how the rest of the day will unfold after what I consider a less-than-ideal start. I can't help but entertain the thought of killing those two dogs, although I apologize if you're a dog lover, as I am not.
As I open the curtains in my room, I'm greeted with the disheartening sight of rain. Not that it's surprising; after all, I currently reside in one of the rainiest cities in the world. I haven't always lived here. My place of origin enjoys good weather almost year-round. However, good weather alone isn't sufficient for a comfortable life... I'm well aware that all the paths I've taken thus far have been of my own choosing, and I wouldn't change a thing.
Putting on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt from my wardrobe, I quietly make my way downstairs for some cereal and coffee. Mindful of my still-sleeping flatmates upstairs, I slip on my earphones and play some mellow morning tunes. After finishing my breakfast, I prepare myself for some morning workouts.
As I push myself to complete the final set, panting but proud of my accomplishment, I reflect on the fact that each day I manage to carry on is a victory, no matter how small. Still immersed in the music and feeling the need to take a moment to sit down, I find myself contemplating the past couple of months, recalling the recent events that seemed to have brought my life to a standstill. My thoughts linger on my failed relationship, pondering what I could have said or done differently. A wave of sadness washes over me, and I realize I'm spiralling into a gloomy mood that could potentially last the entire day if I don't halt these thoughts. I rise from the chair I had been sitting in, reassuring myself that things will be fine and that everything happens for a reason.
"It is what it is," I mutter to myself. But just as those words leave my lips, the most unexpected and inexplicable thing occurs. My vision becomes obscured by a semi-transparent bluish screen, and panic sets in as I fear I may be experiencing a stroke or some sort of brain malfunction that would impede my normal functioning. I attempt to sit back down, only to realize that my body remains motionless, as do my eyes. It's the most peculiar sensation I've ever experienced, almost like the feeling of falling backward from a chair.
It takes a couple of seconds for me to fully grasp the situation. Though I cannot move, blink, or perform any bodily functions, the sensation isn't uncomfortable. It resembles a state of sleep paralysis, where one is awake but unable to move, and I would have assumed I was having the most lucid dream of my life if not for the screen that materialized before my eyes.
