The Watch
6:00 am.
I got up from my bed; the sun rays blinded me for a few seconds. I stared down at my slippers and slid my feet into it, feeling the soft fur on it. It was the best sensation, rubbing against the soles of my feet at 6:00 am.
I gently rose from my bed and walked to the bathroom. Washing up and going through the daily motions of morning routines.
Once I finished, I returned to my room, lit up only by sunlight from outside. I pulled the curtains apart to let in light from outside. Despite feeling tired and not in the mood to do anything except lie down for five more minutes, I forced myself to make my bed.
After making my bed, I went downstairs and into the kitchen and grabbed Coco Pops from the top cupboard. I grabbed the water bottle and milk jug after opening the fridge. On the barstool, I sat while drinking from my water bottle. I closed it shut and then poured the milk into the bowl. Always milk first and then cereal. I heated my milk in the microwave for 2 minutes. Returning, I sat down at the four-seater dining table. I reached out my hand to the top of the counter and grabbed the water jug to fill up my cup. I ate the unhealthy option for breakfast in complete and utter silence. The glass of water remained untouched. Just sitting there as if it didn't want to be involved in my morning either.
I returned to my bedroom just as more of the sun had come out. I walked around the made bed and closed the curtains.
Today was supposed to be special. And I could already feel my nerves going haywire from just the feeling alone.
An interview.
I have given and taken plenty of interviews before. My first interview was when I was 15, applying to volunteer at an animal shelter. Got rejected since I didn't have experience with any animals. Not my fault that my parents never allowed me to.
Wasted that summer rotting on the bed. Now, my life revolves around interviewing people.
Daily.
But today was different. I was going to be interviewed. For a job? No, it was bigger than any job. 6:32 am.
I gave a quick look at the clock and noticed I was getting late. Extremely so.
I quickly headed to the closet, looking through it. What would one wear to this kind of interview?
Should I do a quick search on Google?
I didn't have enough time. I went with a pretty basic attire. A black pants and a black t-shirt. Nothing about it screams too much or too little. Right?
Oh, who am I kidding?
I grabbed my brown handbag, shoving my notebook, pen and pencil inside while simultaneously wondering whether I would need my laptop.
It wouldn't hurt to be over-prepared.
I shoved my laptop in, but it got stuck halfway.
"Fuck," I grunted, taking out my laptop to see what was keeping the hold up. At the bottom of the bag, I found a box.
A beige-and-white box.
Opening it, I found a pure white watch. The casing was soft and fuzzy, while the watch itself was pure and flawless. A co-worker gave it to me as a departure gift before she moved to New Zealand two weeks ago. Wonder why she gave it to me?
That night was blurry. Possibly from too many drinks. And then a call from the office.
The Watch called out to me, so I wore it. It had been rotting at the bottom of my bag since I had been busy. Or, moreover, keeping myself busy.
6:47 am.
I looked at the clock once more, only to realise and panic at the fact that I was going to be late. I stood up, swinging the handbag over my shoulder and ran out of the room. After removing my slippers, I put on my running shoes.
Just as I was about to head out of the house, I realised I had missed the most important detail.
The letter.
I raced back to the bedroom to look for it. Searching up and down, making a mess of the room, only to find under the blue file that rested on my desk.
I took a quick glance at the file before shoving that information to the back of my mind. I had more things to worry about today.
⋆